Student DNA Decoding Challenge
The lights of the Children’s Mercy Research Institute aren’t just another beautiful addition to the skyline of Kansas City. The lights of the CMRI building are a design based on DNA sequences and gene variants. All these sequences and their respective variants were discovered in patients treated at Children’s Mercy. The lights represent the hidden genetic codes that the scientists inside had to crack.
A real-world learning opportunity for middle and high school students to decode the DNA sequences displayed on the outside windows of the CMRI. In this challenge, designed by Wendy Wang, MLS(ASCP)CMMBCM , and Andrea Gaedigk, MS, PhD, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutic Innovation, students will decipher the DNA sequences to determine what gene variants are represented that were discovered in patients at Children’s Mercy. They can even take the investigation a step further to identify how the gene variants may change treatment for the patient.
Decoding Challenge at Your School
We invite educators to download the workbook and answer key below and use them in a lesson with your students.
The CMRI Decoding Challenge Answer Key goes through each case with detailed answers, as well as graphics and additional information.
Download Challenge Workbook CMRI Decoding Challenge Answer KeyTown Hall
In April 2021, we held a town hall discussion that inaugural participants of the Decoding Challenge were invited to join virtually. During the town hall Dr. Tom Curran, CMRI Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer, and other Children’s Mercy researchers revealed the DNA sequences displayed on the outside windows of the Children’s Mercy Research Institute and their variants, discussed how genetics are the key to unlocking hope and answers for kids, and participated in a Q&A with selected participants. The group of speakers also dove into the case studies, one of which centers around Ben. For a sneak peek about the real story behind his case, check out this video. You can watch the recording of the town hall at any time here.
Science for Kids: How to Extract DNA from a Strawberry
When Lauren Spector was in the fourth grade, she was diagnosed with a rare disease and spent a lot of time at Children’s Mercy. It was at this young age that she became interested in health care and science. Watch as Lauren shows us how to extract DNA from ripe strawberries and follow the instructions so you can do it at home!