ScienceWiz DNA Kit {Review}

Dawson has been studying DNA for the past couple of weeks. I had read many recommendations to purchase a particular DNA building kit, but at $50 I was reluctant to do so for such a limited purpose. While perusing the aisles at Hobby Lobby, I came across the ScienceWiz DNA kit by Penny Norman, Ph.D.

Wielded with my 40% off coupon, I picked up this little gem for about $12.00. It is regularly priced at $19.99 (still a bargain). It included all of the pieces necessary to build the DNA ladder and Double Helix (that I was going to be purchasing the other kit for), and included all the materials necessary to do some DNA extractions (both vegetable/fruit and HUMAN), a chromosome puzzle and karyotyping. It was a bargain for all we could do with it!

Constructed Double Helix

Chromosome puzzle

The 40-page booklet that came with the kit not only included the instructions for all of the projects, but also acted as a mini-textbook with introductory material about cells, nuclei, DNA, chromosomes, and genes. The instructions for the projects were straightforward and easy to follow, set forth in a step-by-step fashion with illustrations. All of the projects went off without a hitch. The illustrations were clear, concise, colorful, and entertaining.

The materials for the Human DNA Extraction project.

Dawson is in the 9th grade, and the projects were all challenging enough for him. And they were difficult enough that he actually had to spend some concentrated time on them. What I mean is: He certainly could have used my help, but when I refused he was able to dig deep and figure it out for himself. I would say this kit would be perfect for a 6th grade student (with some adult help) up through any high school biology student.

The hardest part of the Human DNA Extraction was keeping the water between 50 and 55 degrees for 12 minutes.

Collecting DNA

Swishing the cells into the solution. Watch out CSI.

Still monitoring the temp.

The DNA kit can be purchased in Hobby Lobby stores, at HobbyLobby.com, and directly from the ScienceWiz site.

For the money, this kit is excellent! I would certainly recommend it for any educator teaching about DNA. I am happy that I decided to purchase this kit instead of shelling out the $50 for the other comparable kit.

(And, now we have some test tubes and other materials we can use in other experiments!)

Read what others have said about the kit by going here.

** My review of this product was done without any solicitation. I purchased the kit and just wanted to share my honest opinion of it for your reference.

I am also linking up with Science Sunday at Adventures in Mommydom.

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Amy DingmannMarch 1, 2012 at 8:27 AM
Watch out CSI, indeed! Looks like a kit that is fun to do, you learn a lot, and the directions are able to be followed without too much intervention (depending on the age). Sounds like a winner to us!
KarenMarch 2, 2012 at 8:52 AM
This looks awesome. Keilee got a DNA kit for Christmas a year ago and it is still in the box. You have to have several extra things we don't have. I will look into this. I do so dearly love Hobby Lobby's 40% off coupon. :)
AngelMarch 2, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Thank you for posting this! I'll be looking for it the next time I'm at Hobby Lobby!
TiciaMarch 5, 2012 at 8:27 AM
Hopefully this is still around in a few years when my kids are that age. It sounds so cool, I'll have to wait a few years.

Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday!

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