Ever wonder what makes you you? From your eye color to your height—even your preference for salty or sweet snacks—it’s all written in your DNA. And believe it or not, you can actually see DNA using nothing more than a strawberry and a few everyday kitchen items.
This simple at-home experiment is perfect for older kids who are curious about science (or need a rainy-day project that feels more like magic than schoolwork). It’s hands-on, a little messy, and totally fascinating—just how science should be.
What Is DNA?
DNA is found in the center of every cell in your body. Think of it as a biological instruction manual that tells your cells what to do and how to grow. It’s made up of four molecules—called nucleotides—which we can label A, T, C, and G.
Just like letters form words, these DNA “letters” join in different combinations to create gene sequences (like this: AGGCTT). These combinations decide everything from hair color to whether you’re tall, fast, or a lefty. Since genes are passed down from parents, this is why you often resemble your family members.
Today, we’re going to do something amazing: extract real DNA from strawberries using a few simple tools.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe strawberries
- 1 ziplock bag
- 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid (washing-up liquid)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
- 2 clear cups or glasses
- 1 coffee filter or small piece of gauze
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol (or methylated spirits), chilled
- 1 stirring stick (e.g. skewer, spoon, or toothpick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the strawberries:
Remove the green tops and place the strawberries into the ziplock bag. - Mash them up:
Seal the bag and squash the strawberries to break open the cells and release the DNA. - Make the extraction liquid:
Mix the water, salt, and dishwashing liquid in a cup. This will help break down the cell walls. - Add the liquid to the bag:
Pour the extraction liquid into the bag with the strawberries. Seal it and gently mash again (try not to make it too bubbly). - Strain the mixture:
Place your filter over a cup and slowly pour the contents of the bag into it. Gently squeeze to collect the liquid. - Add alcohol:
Carefully pour an equal amount of cold rubbing alcohol down the inside wall of the cup. Do not stir. - Observe:
After 30 seconds, a white, cloudy layer will begin to appear at the top—this is the strawberry DNA. - Lift the DNA:
Use your stirring stick to lift out a clump of DNA. You’ll see a stringy, gooey substance—that’s it!
What’s Happening Here?
Strawberries have lots of DNA, which makes them perfect for this experiment. The dish soap breaks down cell membranes, the salt clumps the DNA together, and the alcohol helps make it visible by separating it from the liquid.
That stringy white substance you see? That’s real DNA.
Let’s Talk About It
Was your child amazed? Did they ask a million questions? That’s a great sign. Curiosity is the heart of science.
Experiments like this aren’t just fun—they help kids understand science by seeing it in action. They’re far more likely to remember what DNA is because they touched it, saw it, and experienced it.
If you enjoyed this, check out more family-friendly experiments on the blog:
- 5 Simple Science Experiments the Whole Family Will Love
- Get Ready for Some Sweet Science
- Make Your Own DIY Shoebox Camera
For the Girls Who Love Science…
If you’ve got a curious girl in the house who loves science—or if you want to help her fall in love with science—check out the Hey Smart Girl book series.
These empowering books were created to inspire young girls and introduce exciting topics like biology in a relatable, easy-to-understand way. The first book in the series, Smart Girl Biology, is packed with fun facts, big ideas, and lots of aha moments.
Find them now on Amazon and inspire her inner scientist.
