What to Do + See at the DNALC
Programs for Educators, Classes, and Schools
Field Trips
The DNALC program of genetics laboratory experiences includes a variety of hands-on experiments to introduce elementary and middle school students to the world of molecular biology.
Our instructors stress an interactive approach linking the process of discovery to learning and strive to offer cutting-edge experiences inspired by techniques and tools currently in use by research scientists.
Advanced Inquiry labs are for AP, advanced elective, or research classes looking for a wet-lab experience that includes extended analysis of data.
School & District Partnerships
Member school districts have preferred access to the DNALC and enjoy a direct affiliation with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Members select from a "menu" of benefits and services, including discounted fees and preferred early field trip reservations. Associate Partner and Partner schools benefit from custom packages tailored to needs.
Student Research Partnerships
The DNALC has organized several partnerships that support independent student research through collaborations with institutions in New York City and across Long Island. The DNALC provides educator training, equipment, materials, and infrastructure to support these student-driven research efforts.
Educator Training
From one-day to three weeks; our educator workshops bring teachers up-to-the-minute with revolutionary discoveries and introduce innovative ways to deliver hands-on, inquiry-based experiments to students. Programs are available for high school teachers and two- and four-year college faculty. Check page frequently for updates.
Programs for the Public
Student Summer Camps
In-Person & Virtual
Each summer our laboratory classrooms fill with 6th-12th grade students participating in five-day science camps. From Fun with DNA to Genome Science, students can attend one camp per year until graduation!
Saturday DNA!
We devote several Saturdays during the academic year for Saturday DNA! programs for children, teens, and adults. We offer a variety of 2-hour laboratory- and computer-based sessions for little more than the cost of a movie ticket and a bucket of popcorn.
Meet a Scientist Series
Short virtual lectures for high school and public audiences are your chance to learn about research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory!
Museum Exhibition
Our current exhibition, Our Human Inheritance featuring Otzi the Iceman, is open to the public Monday to Friday. Guided tours can be scheduled during the week as well as on Saturdays once a month.
We also have an art exhibition by artist Joseph Rossano, who partnered with biologists to engage the public around the science of DNA barcoding and how it is being used to catalog the world's vast and threatened biodiversity.