In 2017, we built a Lego DNA sequencer to teach kids about DNA, Sequencing and Phenotypes. Our imgur album gives a reasonable construction tutorial. For more information on the Monster Lab activity itself, you can read this blog post.
Yes! Our activity is open-source and we'd love you to use it. This repository contains (almost) everything you would need to construct your own Lego sequencer and run our Monster Lab activity.
laser\: Contains DXF formatted files for the laser cut parts, including the base plate, Lego tray and gear to attach to the stepper. The 3mm and 6mm refers to the thickness of the acrylic used to cut those parts for our model.wiring\: Contains a Fritzing diagram for wiring the Arduino Uno, EasyDriver and RGB Colour Sensor. Note that we had to flip the inner pair of wires from our stepper motor but this may differ for yours. This hook-up guide gives more information on checking the coils of your stepper and how to wire it up.software\: The current version of theinoto compile and upload to the Uno.paperwork\: Contains blank and example monster record sheets and gene lists (feel free to use the example from our iteration of the activity at 2017 Science Week)
The components of Monster Lab are open-source under the following licenses.
- Monster Lab software (
software\) is made available under the MIT License. - Our designs for use with a laser cutter or 3D printer are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Blank forms (
paperwork\) are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Although you are not obligated by these licenses to credit us, Monster Lab was hard work that we aren't paid for, so we ask that you kindly attempt to credit us as the original authors of the idea where you can; such as a link to us in a blog post of your event, or some shout-outs to @samstudio8 and @monsterdnalab during your event on Twitter.
We'd love to know if you've run your own Monster Lab, and link to your write-up or photo gallery, so please submit an issue or pull request against the list below!
- Aberystwyth University Science Week 2017 - Blog Post - https://monster-lab.org/