“You catch criminals with DNA” — What kids know (and don’t) about genetics

The following is an excerpt of a longer story.

“DNA is your blood in you, we can use DNA as evidence if someone’s been stabbed. We can run tests in suspects.” (Girl, 12, central Queensland)

“DNA has to do with blood types and fingerprints, it helps to identify us. It can find out criminals and relatives.” (Boy, 10, outback New South Wales)

“DNA is blood. Genes is a part of you, DNA is your uniqueness inside you… you can be identified by your DNA and your fingerprints. If there’s a robbery, can get fingerprints, that’s DNA, and put them in the computer and find out who it is.” (Girl, 11, coastal South Australia)

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These three children were among 62 children aged 10-12 interviewed about genes and DNA. For subjects not taught until much later on in the curriculum, these primary school students clearly know something about these complicated scientific concepts – even if their knowledge is limited.

But if they’re not getting their information from school, then where are they getting it? And do schools need to start teaching these concepts earlier?

Read the full story here: ‘You catch criminals with DNA’: What kids know (and don’t know) about genetics