In the 1950s, the race to discover the structure of DNA was fraught with intrigue, competition, and innovation. This 17-minute video from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute blends rarely seen archival footage with interviews of today's leading scientists to explore how the double-helix structure was discovered. Teachers: the video is engaging and very well-crafted, yet also maintains journalistic standards of impartiality. It explores the contributions of Watson and Crick, Rosalind Franklin, Pauling, and other key scientists without editorializing about ethical controversies surrounding the discovery. See Film Guide below for a comprehensive Student Guide with background information.

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This classroom-ready resource complements the HHMI short film featured directly above. It contains a student quiz that probes understanding of key concepts in the film. The "At A Glance Film Guide" offers a short summary and connects key ideas to selected curricula. The "In-Depth Film Guide" provides more detailed background information, pause points for discussion questions, and answers to the student quiz. Physics teachers: Even if you have not taught a Biology course, be assured you can incorporate this resource with little-to-no advance preparation.

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