🧬 Create a Karyotype Lab at CSH: A Day of Hands-On Genetics!
This past Saturday, I went to a DNA Learning Center class where we explored genetics through a “Create a Karyotype” lab. Instead of just learning from a textbook, we got to actually do activities that showed how traits are inherited and how scientists study chromosomes. I also had the opportunity to assist Mrs. Astudillo during the class, which made the experience even more meaningful and exciting!
PTC Taste Test
One of the first things we did was a PTC taste test. PTC is a chemical that tastes very bitter to some people, but completely tasteless to others. This difference is caused by genetics, which made the activity a perfect example of inherited traits. It was really interesting to see who could taste it and who couldn’t, and it made genetics feel very real and personal.
Creating Mini Monsters with Punnett Squares
Next, we used Punnett squares to create our own “mini monsters.” This activity helped us understand how traits are passed down from parents to offspring. By combining different alleles, we could predict what our monsters would look like and then draw them out. It was a fun and creative way to practice genetics while also seeing how probability plays a role in inheritance.
Building Our Own People
Another activity we did involved creating our own people using sets of genetic trait cards. Each card represented a different trait, and we had to combine them to form a complete individual. This showed how many different traits come together to make each person unique, and how complex genetics can be.
Assisting in the Lab
During the class, I helped Mrs. Astudillo by assisting students with their activities and making sure everyone understood what to do. It was really rewarding to help others learn and stay engaged, and it gave me a different perspective on how labs are run. It also made me appreciate how much work goes into teaching and organizing these kinds of experiences.
Helping in the lab
This is me getting introduced to the class by Mrs. Astudillo!
What I Took Away
By the end of the class, I had a much better understanding of how traits are inherited and how scientists use tools like Punnett squares and karyotypes to study genetics. The mix of hands-on activities and real examples made everything easier to understand and a lot more fun.
Shoutouts
A big thank you to Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center for hosting such an amazing class. And a special thank you to Mrs. Astudillo for leading the lab and letting me assist—it was such a great experience. In case you want to try real experiments, check out Saturday DNA! Sessions, where you can explore DNA, solve science mysteries, and work in a real lab just like a scientist. 🧬🔬
This blog is based on my experience in CSHL Saturday DNA! Session: Create a Karyotype Lab on March 21, 2026.
