STEM Education
Exploring genomics at every age
Activities and teaching resources to bring genomics into your classroom or home for any age
At Illumina, we're on a mission to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome.
We are committed to equitable access to STEM education with the goal of empowering students and enabling educators to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and trailblazers.
The future of our mission is reliant on nurturing and equipping the next generation. Through direct programming, nonprofit partners, and engaging our employees, we aim to enable educators to be advocates of genomics and inspire learners to envision themselves as our future STEM leaders.
Celebrate DNA Day with us on April 25, 2024
Every year, Illumina celebrates DNA Day throughout the month of April. Together with schools, districts and nonprofit partners, we will provide educational programs and activities for all grade levels.
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To participate in DNA Day and stay up to date with new resources and events as they become available, sign up below.
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Are you new to genomics and interested in exploring ways to connect the science, its applications and potential to curriculum and lesson plans?
Genomics 101: At Home
Learn about DNA, genetics and more in our at-home video series hosted by Illumina employees.
Genomics Activity Book
This activity book is a great tool to introduce DNA to elementary students.
DNA Day Coloring Page
Celebrate DNA Day with this coloring page.
Great for elementary students.
Genomics Rap
Listen to our genomics rap in collaboration with the "Music Notes".
Learn more
Are you integrating genomics into your student learning and seeking more resources to deepen engagement?
I Am a Scientist Breaks the Stereotypes
I Am a Scientist teamed up with Illumina to create Spark Kits featuring inspiring scientists doing cutting-edge work. These multimedia kits include stories, lesson plans, illustrations, and career support for students interested in pursuing diverse careers in biotechnology.
Adventures in Genomics
Explore amazing genomic discoveries and meet the scientists behind the breakthroughs.
Explore Illumina Through a Virtual Field Trip
Take students inside the labs at Illumina to explore cutting-edge sequencing technology that is being used to decode living things and revolutionize everything from medicine to agriculture to sustainability.
Bring an Illumina Scientist to your Virtual Classroom
Watch a scientist extract DNA from a strawberry or request free kits to run this experiment yourself.
For students of all ages.
Deepen your understanding
Do you have advanced genomics knowledge and want to deepen your students’ experience and opportunities?
DNA Decoded: Curriculum for High Schools
Use classroom curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to teach high school students about DNA, genomic applications, and careers in biotech.
Illumina Genomic Discoveries
Teacher training, curriculum, and lab experiences to San Diego high schools. It provides educators and students with real-world, hands-on experiences using industry technology.
Illumina Virtual Lab
Put your lab coat and safety glasses on and get ready to explore Illumina’s virtual lab. Teachers and students can virtually prep DNA to go on a sequencer and learn the technology behind how our sequencers are used by real life customers.
Hear directly from the people whose work in genomics is shaping the way we think about science and our world. Listen as leading scientists discuss the impact of genomics.
Discover Careers in Genomics
Did you know that 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t even been invented yet?1
If you’re an educator looking to share more about career possibilities in genomics with your classroom, or a student wondering if a career in genomics is right for you, you’ve come to the right place.
With the help of our employees, we’ve created a series of career cards to highlight the diverse career opportunities in the field of genomics. These cards provide a snapshot of in-demand roles here at Illumina, including education requirements, average starting salary, and essential job skills.
We’ve also asked employees to give you the inside scoop on what their day-to-day looks like. Find out what they work on, who they work with, and just how varied the wide world of genomics really is.
Be sure to check back often. We’ll be adding more careers throughout the year.
Stories of #Genomics4All in Action
Kansas City Lights the Night with a New Research Institute
Genomic sequencing is giving families hope in the face of uncertainty at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City
Igniting Genomic Literacy in the Classroom
Empowering students to envision themselves as future scientists, innovators, and trailblazers
In Full Transparency: A Year of CSR at Illumina
Our 2021 CSR Report documents a year of positive impact
Bringing Sophisticated Lab Experiences to High School Classrooms
Jessica Bosch fosters students’ love of science through the Illumina Genomic Discoveries program
Additional Genomics STEM Education Resources
Your Genome
Discover more about DNA, genes and genomes, and the implications for our health and society.
The Story of You: ENCODE and the Human Genome
The Nature ENCODE Project created a DNA encyclopedia that shows how your genes make you unique.
What is a Gene?
A simple overview of genetics that explains what genes are and what they do.
What is CRISPR?
A biologist explains the new gene editing technique at five different levels of difficulty.
Introduction to Sequencing by Synthesis
Watch next-generation sequencing in action and learn how it works.
Crash Course: DNA Structure and Replication
Discover what DNA is made of and how it replicates itself in the human body.
NHGRI Activity Ideas
Complete an activity to celebrate National DNA Day on April 25th.
I Am a Scientist
The goal of I Am a Scientist is to break stereotypes and open pathways to STE(A)M careers for students.
DNA and RNA Models
The MIT Edgerton Center offers LEGO® models to help you teach students about DNA and RNA.
STEM Curriculum: Discovering the Genome
This free curriculum includes videos, activities, and discussion questions to help students explore genomics.
Cancer Genetics Lesson Plans
Interactive lessons for high school students to learn about cancer development, diagnosis, risk, and family history.
For any questions, please reach out to the team at illuminacares@illumina.com.
Follow the Illumina Cares playlist on YouTube and #genomics4all on social media.
References
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