From DNA Basics to Gel Electrophoresis, hands-on. 

If you're ready to start your hands-on biotech journey but aren't sure what to order first or what comes next, no problem! Whether you're learning at home, setting up a classroom, or planning a complete lab experience, we’ve got a clear path to get you started—with no prior experience required. This guide will help you build your hands-on learning journey with confidence.

Step 1: Start with the Zero to Genetic Engineering Hero™ Kit Pack

This is where it all begins!
The Zero to Genetic Engineering Hero™: Chapters 1 - 4 (Home Starter Pack) is a step-by-step, beginner-friendly learning journey designed to teach you how DNA works, how to work safely with bacteria, and how to perform your first genetic engineering experiment.

What you’ll learn:

• DNA structure and function
• Lab safety & aseptic technique
• Growing bacteria
• Bacterial transformation (adding DNA to cells!)

Recommended equipment:

• DNA Playground™: Your all-in-one miniature lab
• OR a setup using: an incubator, thermometer, hot water + ice (less precise but budget-friendly!)

Extra activities:

• Lab Safety: Safe vs Unsafe game – Practice identifying safe and unsafe behaviors in the lab.
• Handwash-it kit™: learn aseptic techniques– Learn aseptic techniques through a fun, visual experiment.

Step 2: Complete Your Hero Journey (Chapters 5–7)

Once you’ve completed the first four chapters of the Hero kit, you can continue with:
Zero to Genetic Engineering Hero™: Chapters 5 - 7 (Home Starter Pack)

What you’ll learn:

• DNA purification
• Experimental design
• Troubleshooting and optimizing your results

Recommended equipment (if not already purchased):

• DNA Playground™: Your all-in-one miniature lab
• Blacklight Flashlight: Make your bacteria fluoresce
• Microcentrifuge
• Classroom incubator (if you prefer a standard setup)

Extra Activities:

• DNA, Genes and Chromosomes Viewer – Explore and edit the structure and function of genetic material.
• CellSort: Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic game– Learn how cells are organized and classified.

Step 3: Build Your Lab Skills

Now that you’ve got the fundamentals down, it’s time to expand your skill set.

Learn to Use a Micropipette

Micropipettes are essential for precise measurements in experiments like gel electrophoresis and PCR.

• Order:  Pipette-it Kit™: Learn to pipette like a pro! & Micropipette set
• You'll also need a Three Decimal Point Pocket Scale (g) (kitchen or food science scales work!)
• Best completed after Chapters 5–7 of the Hero Journey

Take Microbial Culturing to the Next Level

• Streak-it Kit™: Learn to culture and isolate cells – Practice culturing and isolating bacteria on petri dishes.
• Will-it Grow Kit™: Uncover the Microbes Around You – Swab everyday surfaces and discover the hidden world of microbes.

Step 4: Dive into Gel Electrophoresis

Want to learn how scientists separate and analyze DNA? Start here! We recommend doing the gel kits in this order:

1. Gel Electrophoresis Kit: Natural vs Synthetic Dyes – Learn the basics of how gels work

2. Gel Electrophoresis Kit: Draw with DNA – Practice loading "DNA parts" into gels

3. Gel Electrophoresis Kit: Learning DNA Ladders – Learn about DNA ladders and forensic-style analysis

These kits require:

• Micropipettes (prior experiment from the Pipette-it Kit suggested)
• Gel running equipment

Step 5: Go Further with Advanced Kits

Once you’ve mastered pipetting and gels, explore more advanced kits like:

• PCR-it Kit™️: Amplify DNA Fragments–(Polymerase Chain Reaction) Amplify DNA like a real lab
• Bioplastics Kit – Explore sustainability by creating biodegradable material
• Digest-it Kit™️: Cut and isolate DNA using Restriction Enzymes - Learn how to use restriction enzymes—special protein tools that precisely cut DNA at unique recognition sites.
• DNA Biomanufacturing Lab: PCR, SOPs & Quality Control Module  – Dive into biomanufacturing basics

Bonus: Take the Quiz if You’re Not Sure!

Still figuring out your learning goals? Take our Experiment Matching Quiz to discover which kit is right for your interests and skill level.

Remember, you don’t need to order everything at once. You can build your knowledge and lab setup step by step, depending on your goals and budget.

If you ever have questions about what to order next or need help troubleshooting your experiment, we’re here to support you.

Contact us or tag us @aminolabs to share your progress!