DNA is the genetic material that is essential for life, but it can also be used to create microscopic devices that can deliver medicine and monitor our health! These structures are created by folding DNA into shapes using a process called DNA origami. These shapes can act as a protective box to deliver medicine directly to a cancer cell in the human body. However, in order for the DNA box to open when it reached the cancer cell, it must be held closed by overhangs that are strong enough to hold the box shut outside of the cell and weak enough to open once they enter the cell. Overhangs are short segments of DNA that stick to each other because they are complimentary. Overhangs can be used in many different ways to help control the DNA devices and make sure they are working correctly.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
This Facilitator Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.