Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center

Saturday DNA! Sessions

...and Wednesday sessions!

Add some DNA to your day . . . virtually!

Join us for exciting new Saturday DNA! sessions!

Eventbrite is used for Saturday DNA! registration and payment.

  • Access to each session must be reserved using Eventbrite.
  • Sessions will be presented using Zoom Meetings.
  • Sessions are $20.00 per single event connection ($30.00 if kit is shipped), plus Eventbrite registration fee. (Multiple viewers can watch on one computer connection.)
  • We will not accept connections from unregistered participants.
  • Seats for each session limited to 35 Zoom participant connections and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The name and email address of each ticket purchaser must be included on your Eventbrite registration. We will not honor reservations that fail to provide this information. If you do not provide this information, your reservation will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded.
  • Once you are registered and payment is made, you will receive an email with virtual connection information and any required documents.

Wednesday, January 20 or Saturday, January 23, 2021

Virtual Lab: As the Worm Turns

Genes determine a lot about how organisms grow and function. Scientists often learn about how human genes work by finding gene matches in other species and using them as a model. In this session, you will learn all about how a worm called C. elegans is used by researchers around the world to better understand gene function and genetic disease. In this activity, you will:

  • observe live C. elegans worms magnified by a stereo microscope;
  • discuss what makes C. elegans a good model organism for genetic research;
  • identify C. elegans mutants and describe their traits; and
  • see examples of how nematodes can be used to model human genetic diseases.


To complete this lab, you will need:

  • Blank paper
  • Writing utensil

Details:

  • Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 4:00–5:00 pm EST
    Saturday, January 23, 2021, 10:00–11:00 am EST
  • Appropriate for ages 10–14
  • $20 per participant, no kit required
REGISTER for 1/20 REGISTER for 1/23

Wednesday, January 27 or Saturday, January 30, 2021

Virtual Lab: Cracking the Code

How do mutations in DNA lead to differences in traits? Do all mutations have the same impact? In this session we’ll explore how DNA is used as a set of instructions and what happens when those instructions are changed. In this activity, you will:

  • use a codon chart to crack the code of a DNA sequence;
  • explore what happens if that DNA sequence gets mutated; and
  • use a DNA sequence as instructions for making a bracelet or keychain.

Material kits will be available for pick up at the DNALC in Cold Spring Harbor January 25-29, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

If you would like to have a kit shipped to your home, there will be an additional charge of $10.

If you choose not to get a DNALC kit, you can instead provide your own materials for the activity. You will need:

  • Yarn or string
  • Colorful beads
  • Optional: keyring to make a keychain

Details:

  • Wednesday, January 27, 2021, 4:00–5:00 pm EST
    Saturday, January 30, 2021, 10:00–11:00 am EST
  • Appropriate for ages 10–14
  • $20 per participant, $30 with shipped kit
REGISTER for 1/27 REGISTER for 1/30

Wednesday, February 3 or Saturday, February 6, 2021

Virtual Lab: DIY Electrophoresis Chamber

Gel electrophoresis is a common laboratory technique used to separate charged molecules like DNA according to size. Developed in the 1930s, it is now an essential tool for molecular biologists, forensic scientists, doctors, and conservation biologists! Join us to learn about the basic principles and applications of this procedure, then build your own gel electrophoresis device out of household materials and use it at home! In this activity, you will:

  • see the basic equipment required for gel electrophoresis and learn how it works;
  • discuss some common uses of this technique in the lab; and
  • build a DIY gel electrophoresis device and use it to separate food coloring.

Material kits will be available for pick up at the DNALC in Cold Spring Harbor February 1-5, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

If you would like to have a kit shipped to your home, there will be an additional charge of $10.

In addition to the materials in the DNALC kit, you will also need to supply:

  • Three 9 volt batteries
  • Water
  • Masking tape
  • Scissors

Details:

  • Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 4:00–5:00 pm EST
    Saturday, February 6, 2021, 10:00–11:00 am EST
  • Appropriate for ages 12–16
  • $20 per participant, $30 with shipped kit
REGISTER for 2/3 REGISTER for 2/6

Wednesday, February 10 or Saturday, February 13, 2021

Virtual Lab: Selection Detection

DNA first formed on Earth billions of years ago, and all life on Earth since has been constantly evolving to keep up with the ever-changing planet. What are some of the forces driving these changes? Join us to explore evolution by natural selection and learn how organisms evolved and survived! In this activity, you will:

  • demonstrate how natural selection and different selective pressures can drive evolution;
  • "become" a predator to understand the role of prey selection in evolution; and
  • discuss theories about the evolution of the human branch of the "tree of life."

Material kits will be available for pick up at the DNALC in Cold Spring Harbor February 8-12, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

If you would like to have a kit shipped to your home, there will be an additional charge of $10.

Details:

  • Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 4:00–5:00 pm EST
    Saturday, February 13, 2021, 10:00–11:00 am EST
  • Appropriate for ages 10–14
  • $20 per participant, $30 with shipped kit
REGISTER for 2/10 REGISTER for 2/13
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