Resources for Biotinkering

The Tech has been doing R&D since 2016 to identify, establish, and refine an array of biological systems that allow novices to tinker with biology. The resources on this page are meant to help others get started with biotinkering, either by replicating our experiences or by using them as a starting point for their own explorations. 

Learn more about our R&D work 

Visit our space! 

We have created three activity formats designed for different venues or operational contexts. Explore the formats and mix and match as you find useful! Depending on your location or context, a full science center program might not be the right entry point for your biotinkering journey. Try our other activity formats instead for an easier entry point and more accessible materials.

• Science Center Programs: These comprehensive packages will help you set up and run facilitated biotinkering experiences in a workshop, lab, or programming space. The genetics activities in this category require less equipment and resources than the bio-making ones. (Coming Soon!)
  
  
• At Home Activities: These DIY activities are designed for families to use at home in combination with inexpensive store-bought supplies and supplies from around the house.
  
  
• Classroom Lessons: These lesson plans are specifically designed to support teachers who are running activities in a classroom setting.

These activities leverage real biological systems to grow or create tangible products. The science and underlying concepts pull heavily from the emerging worlds of biodesign, biofabrication, and biomaterials.

These activities combine art and biology to engage participants in creative ways. The science and underlying concepts pull largely from the fields of genetics, evolution, and bioinformatics.