Get ready to discover the invisible world of DNA and help real scientists identify life!
In 2025, 16 schools from across Western Australia are teaming up for a massive science adventure — the WA Barcode Blitz! From Christmas Island, Broome, Geraldton and Esperance to schools around Perth, students are collecting local plants, insects, and fungi, then using high-tech tools to find out what they are by looking at their DNA.
With the help of scientists from the Harry Butler Institute and BioBarcode Australia, students will use real lab gear like micropipettes, PCR machines (that copy DNA), and gel tanks (to see it). These samples are then sent off to a professional lab for DNA sequencing to discover what species they’ve collected — maybe even something new!
This year’s National Science Week theme is “Decoding the Universe: Exploring Nature’s Hidden Language.” While physicists decode the language of atoms, these students are using powerful tools to read DNA — nature’s own genetic code — to understand and protect biodiversity.
During National Science Week, students will tune in for a live online session with Murdoch University scientists who use both traditional taxonomy and modern DNA methods to identify specimens. It’s a great chance to see how classroom science connects with real research!
In September, all 16 schools will come together online for the big reveal — to find out the results of the DNA sequencing and celebrate the species they’ve helped identify.
Follow the journey on Instagram using #WABarcodeBlitz25 and tag @biobarcodeaustralia @harrybutlerinstitute @murdochuniversity for updates and behind-the-scenes action.
Proudly supported by Promega Australia, Australian Genome Research Facility and Fisher Biotec.
