10/03/2025
Ottawa, Ontario — Monday March 10, 2025
Strawberry DNA extraction is a fun and easy science experiment that can teach kids about the role of DNA in cells, the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms, including plants, animals, and bacteria. DNA controls the functions of each cell, pushing out information that guides cellular activities and, in turn, controls the functions of the entire organism.
This science experiment only requires a few household items and is great for kids ages 6-14.
For the experiment, you will need:
- 1 Ziploc bag
- 2 strawberries leaves and stems removed (you can use fresh or frozen, but if using frozen ensure you have defrosted them in the fridge overnight)
- 2 tsp dish soap
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup water
- 2 plastic cups
- 1 coffee filter or cheese clothe
- ½ cup cold rubbing alcohol
- 1 coffee stir stick or chopstick
Instructions
- Place strawberries in the Ziploc bag and close. Smash the strawberries with your hands for 2-3 minutes.
- In a plastic cup, make the DNA extraction solution by combining 2 tsp dish soap, 1 tsp salt and ½ cup water. Mix until salt is dissolved.
- Pour solution in the Ziploc bag and reseal. Gently massage the solution into the strawberries, avoiding too many soap bubbles from forming.
- Place the coffee filter over the unused plastic cup. Pour the contents from the Ziploc bag over the coffee filter. Wait a few moments for the liquid to drip through then discard the coffee filter and leftover strawberry.
- Pour the cold rubbing alcohol in the plastic cup with the strawberry liquid.
- Gently move the cup around in circles until a thick material forms on the top layer of the liquid (this is the strawberry DNA).
- Use the coffee stir stick or chopstick to pick up the strawberry DNA out of the liquid and watch the kids be amazed!