The Galfrid School
In June, we had a fantastic day at The Galfrid School in Cambridge, one of the pioneers of the D-CYPHR programme. Part of the United Learning network, the school is helping us raise awareness and gather participation in children’s health research.
The D-CYPHR team held a learning session about DNA, with an interactive morning assembly and a genetics lesson for Year 5.
At the whole school assembly children learned about genes and how they combine to make each and every one of us unique. Children were invited up on stage to mix a pot with different genetic characteristics from two parents, to create a child with their own genetic profile.
Elizabeth Mordey, Senior Study Coordinator for D-CYPHR said:
“The children at The Galfrid school were amazing at the assembly. They all got involved with their hands up to answer questions and take part in the day. The element they all enjoyed the most was finding out how much human DNA matches the DNA in other plants and animals. It was great to see so many enthusiastic young minds. As someone who has been excited by biology all my life, it was lovely to see the next generation feeling inspired by science and health!”
Afterwards, Year 5 students had a special in-depth genetics lesson, making helices out of pipe cleaners, and playing a sorting game to see which aspects of our lives are down to genetics and which are down to environment.
Elizabeth commented:
“The Year 5’s had some very intelligent questions on our genetics versus environment sorting game. Is your handwriting down to genetics or environment? Your ability to speak another language? How high you grow? It sparked lots of fascinating comments about school, learning, family, culture, nutrition, sleep, exercise and how that mixes with your health and physical abilities that may come from your genes.
D-CYPHR also had a stall at the school fair with a range of science activities for children and DNA based games. It was great to see so many hero families ready to help make a difference to children’s health research.
Become a DNA hero!
We need to learn a lot more about childhood health. We also need to understand how genetic and environmental factors affect children as they grow and develop.
D-CYPHR (the DNA, Children + Young People’s Health Resource) is creating a nationwide movement for ages 0 - 15 to help health research - everything from better understanding mental health to combatting diabetes.
We want to make it easier for families to get involved with health and genetics research studies. It’s easy because any family can help from home.
It’s simple to take part in our programme, all you have to do is join D-CYPHR online and spit in a tube.
