Tactile DNA Puzzle
The Tactile DNA puzzle is a tool to teach visually impaired students the chemistry and structure of DNA. The puzzle contains the 4 different nucleotides (A,T,C,G) a phosphate piece and Deoxyribose piece. A DNA molecule consists of 4 different nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of 3 components. A phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base. The 4 different nitrogenous bases (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine) allow for the variability found within DNA. IN DNA the thymine always connects with the adenine and cytosine always pairs with guanine. This is shown in the puzzle and we use different shapes to form the connection.
Designer Note: This DNA puzzle was designed by a Mountain Lakes Public Library high school intern, Jeffrey Zhang, in collaboration with the Mountain Lakes Public Library Makerspace. Special Thanks to Caroline Karbowski See3d.org and Leona Holloway from Monash University for their contributions to improving our braille design.