Science meets wire art! Students will create one DNA sculpture/pendant* made from wire and color coded beads as a hands-on way to learn the basics of DNA and how it is formed. Scientific discussion will be focused on: what it is, why it is important, how it relates to you and how humans use it (forensic, medical, biotech, etc.). Artistic discussion will be focused on basic wire sculpture and jewelry skills along with design choices needed to appropriately represent the concepts learned. Students will be free to choose their wire creation type (sculpture or pendant), colors, genetic code and number of mutations in the code.

Vocabulary students can expect to learn from the class include the following: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), genes, double helix, complementary pairs, nucleotides, nucleic acid, mutations, codons, adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine and proteins.

Alicia’s teaching methods involve multiple tools and methods to ensure all learning styles are included. The lesson will include:
A handout detailing different scientific facts related to the artwork.
A written tutorial containing each tool/step.
Detailed verbal and visual instruction, repeating anytime needed.
Encouragement of peer to peer learning as we discuss and create.
Offers relaxed, laid back demeanor to cultivate a low anxiety environment for asking questions. After main discussion (during creation time), music is also offered if permissible and desired by all.
Reflection Discussion: how students felt about the lesson and art creation.
Alicia’s strengths include creative audience-centered communication: an ability to tailor each lesson (and the scientific explanations) to the grade level being taught. It is her top priority to ensure each student understands the topic and their art creation. Alicia also assists a biotechnology company that creates DNA for research/medical purposes. She is happy to answer any questions students have about DNA in relation to the lesson, academia, possible future careers and biotechnology.

For Workshops: Students will have one session where they will make a DNA sculpture piece. Students will be shown how to make their sculptures into a hanging piece (with ornament hook) or pendant (comes with hemp cord to string and hang).

For Residencies: Students will have three sessions where they create: a DNA pendant, DNA earrings, DNA sculpture or ornament. Any free time students have after creation is used for wire art exploration with a science theme. They can also choose to make multiple DNA art/jewelry pieces.