Modular Articulated DNA (Educational Model)

Modular Articulated DNA Educational Model

Let your students build, connect, and explore the DNA with this colourful modular model designed for hands-on learning. Each nucleotide piece represents one of the DNA/RNA bases, while the blue connector parts form the sugar-phosphate backbone. This model is great for classrooms, STEM projects, biology demonstrations, or anyone who wants a fun physical way to understand nucleotide pairing and DNA structure.

I also plan on extending this model with a couple of more pieces for better demonstration of topics like Transcription and Translation. Feel free to leave a like and follow if you'd like to stay updated.

 

Boost MeI'm working full time as a teacher and create these models in my spare time. If you like them, please consider boosting me, that would mean a lot to me :) Thank you!

 

Parts

You can print as many of the individual parts as you like and connect them with each other!

 

Each nucleotide piece represents one of the DNA/RNA bases and the blue connector parts form the sugar-phosphate backbone:

• Cytosine
• Guanine
• Adenine
• Thymine
• Uracil

 

 

Assembly & Colouring

The backbone pieces can be clicked together with a little bit of force.  

 

It is recommended to use 5x2 (dxh) magnets for both the backbone pieces and nucleotides, to better hold them in place. Place the magnets into the slot (make sure you have them oriented all in the same way!) and use a paper clip, a scredriver, or something similar to push the magnet all the way into the slot. You can also remove the magnets if needed using a paper clip from the other side.

 

 

Feel free to adjust the colouring of the pieces to your needs. My file uses the colours according to the Wikipedia nucleic acid image:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleic_acid#/media/File:Difference_DNA_RNA-EN.svg 

 

 

Versions

There are two Versions of nucleotides:

• Standard Set (recommended!) nucleotides have no chamfer/fillet on the connection pin. This makes them harder to separate from their counterparts, but results in a more stable double strand. 
• Rounded Nucleotide Set contains nucleotide pieces with a rounded down connection pin. This makes them easier to separate, e.g. when demonstrating something, but obviously also reduces the stability of the entire double strand in terms of base pairs disconnecting when you move the double strand around. 

If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know!

 

Boost MeI'm working full time as a teacher and create these models in my spare time. If you like them, please consider boosting me, that would mean a lot to me :) Thank you!