DNA Festival - Get a Hands-on Look at the World of Genomes

Families can dive deeper into the fascinating world of genomes at the Natural History Museum of Utah’s DNA Festival, Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The DNA Festival is tied to the Museum’s special exhibit, Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code, that runs through Sept. 5, 2016.

“The DNA Festival and the Genome exhibit are a celebration of what makes you, you!” said Sarah George, Museum executive director. “We have several creative and interesting activities planned for the day that will allow children and adults to explore and better understand the significance of genomes and how they relate to the growth and function of all living things.”

At the DNA Festival visitors can meet eight local DNA experts and learn about genetic research through hands-on activities such as:

·    Extracting their own DNA

·      Creating art with a micropipette (a small scientific tool)

·      Making a nucleotide necklace to take home

·      Exploring DNA transcription with Lego® bricks

·      And just for fun, face painting — DNA style!

The day includes a free lecture for grownups, “Seeking a Killer,” by Matt Might, a true story about a couple’s search for answers to help their child born with a previously unknown genetic disorder. The lecture is at 2 p.m. in the Swaner Forum. 

The Museum is also kicking off its first “Family Trait Day” at the DNA Festival. July 9 will be “Tall and Small Day,” where adults under four-foot nine or shorter, or six-foot five inches or taller can take advantage of a buy one, get one free offer. And then every Wednesday, July 13, - Aug. 31, the Museum will feature a Family Trait Day offer where adults with specific family traits (twins, red hair, cleft chin, etc.) will be offered a free ticket with the purchase of a ticket. For a complete calendar of Family Trait Days visit https://nhmu.utah.edu/genome.

Genome: Unlocking Life's Code was developed and produced by the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Institutes for Health's National Human Genome Research Institute in association with Science North. The Natural History Museum of Utah added its own creative and educational touches including: fun participatory citizen-science activities for children in the Genome Zone; a trait tree where visitors can have their photos taken and add their traits to the exhibit data base; eye-catching panels featuring cutting-edge genomic research conducted by University of Utah Health Sciences that has revolutionized disease prevention and health care; and videos that tell the stories of Utahns, who have been helped by the research.

Entrance into Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code is included in the Museum’s price of general admission. For additional information, visit https://nhmu.utah.edu/genome or call 801.581.4303.

The exhibit was also made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor, University of Utah Health Sciences; exhibit sponsors, Janet Quinney Lawson Foundation and Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation; and community sponsors, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Kathie and Mark Miller, S.J. and the Jessie Quinney Foundation and Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

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About the Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the Museum has a collection of over 1.2 million objects and offers innovative exhibitions and educational programs to thousands of residents and visitors each year, including traveling and permanent exhibits, special events and other programs. With an expected attendance of 180,000 visitors a year, the Museum also offers a variety of outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state annually. The Museum has an active science program with more than 30 scientists and 10 field exhibitions each year.