Cracking the Code: Eighth Graders Explore DNA at City Tech

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the eighth grade class visited the DNA Learning Labs at City Tech in Brooklyn, NY. This field trip was carefully planned to align with the students’ unit on DNA, offering an exciting opportunity to deepen their understanding through hands-on science in a university-grade laboratory setting.

The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) prepares students and families to thrive in the gene age. As the largest provider of biotechnology instruction at the precollege level in the United States, DNALC operates 15 teaching laboratories throughout New York and New Jersey. The organization is dedicated to making complex topics in genetics accessible, engaging, and relevant to today’s learners.

Throughout the unit, students explored the structure and function of DNA, how the molecule is replicated, and how it is used by cells to make proteins. In class, they engaged in a variety of inquiry-based lab activities, including DNA extraction from plant cells, modeling DNA replication, and modeling protein synthesis.

At the DNA Learning Labs, students applied their classroom knowledge in advanced laboratory experiments, including forensic DNA analysis and crime-solving investigations. These activities reinforced their understanding of DNA while introducing them to critical scientific tools such as micropipettes and techniques used in professional lab environments.

This immersive experience not only extended their comprehension of key biological concepts but also strengthened their skills in experimental design, execution, and scientific thinking. As such, the trip was a required part of the eighth grade science curriculum and a valuable opportunity for students to engage in real-world applications of their learning.