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Are you ready to get your hands on STEM? This action-packed event empowers the next generation of STEM solution seekers with the skills they need to take on some of the planet’s greatest sustainability challenges.

Our host Brandon Okpalobi introduced students to a local or global issue, explored why it is happening, connected with inspiring people who are working to find solutions, and helped student solution seekers uncover their own potential with two exciting Hands-On STEM activities.

Join Brandon and our friends over at API and P&G for this action packed event whenever and wherever on-demand below! 

Watch On-Demand

Participate in the Activities

Get your hands on STEM with these two activities that explore the relationships between DNA codes and physical characteristics and create a foaming toothpaste big enough for an elephant with chemical reactions.

Sweet DNA

Build Sweet DNA

Students reinforce their knowledge that DNA is the genetic material for all living things. This is accomplished by modeling it using toothpicks and gumdrops that represent the four biochemicals that pair with each other in a specific pattern, making a double helix. They investigate specific DNA sequences that code for certain physical characteristics such as eye and hair color. Student teams trade DNA “strands” and de-code the genetic sequences to determine the physical characteristics (phenotype) displayed by the strands (genotype) from other groups.

Elephant Toothpaste

Make Elephant Toothpaste

This experiment is called Elephant’s Toothpaste because the chemical reaction produces a large foamy mess that looks like toothpaste squirting out of a tube. It’s so big, only an elephant could use toothpaste this massive. Please remember: it’s not actually toothpaste, so don’t try to brush your teeth with it!