The need for inculcating a scientific ethos in children at a young age has been felt especially in view of the fact that today we not only need to make children scientifically aware but also need their complete participation in conserving our rich biodiversity. National Bioresource Development Board (NBDB) Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India is starting a DNA Club for school children. DNA Club is DBT’s Natural Resources Awareness Clubs for school going children.

The clubs would be divided into two groups: 6-8th standard and 9-12th standards. There would be approximately 40-50 children per school. The contents of the activities for the groups would vary. While 6-8th the activities would focus more on Biodiversity and Bioresources in general, the activities for 9-12 would focus primarily on Biotechnology. The activities would be defined in such a manner that they are extra-curricular, yet oriented towards the curriculum, to ensure acceptability by the school teachers. A teacher orientation programme would be a necessary component of these activities, preferably arranged by the RRAs at least once a year. Vacation Training programme would also be a part of these clubs activities. Each club will be given few essential equipments (Computers/ microscope/ balance/ binoculars/ educational CDs etc.) to have activity-based projects preparation of posters/ charts, project work apart from their curriculum will form part of the DNA Club activity.