AC3 Summer Explorations

Available dates:

• June 9-13 at UPR Arecibo, Arecibo

Fun with DNA s an entry-level course in DNA science. This exploration is designed especially for highly motivated students interested in expanding their knowledge of basic genetics and cell biology. Students are immersed in an environment of hands-on activities and laboratory experiments designed to increase genetic literacy, encourage critical and creative thinking, and spark interest in the field of biotechnology.

Participants will:

• construct cell and DNA models;
• use compound microscopes to view various cell types;
• extract DNA from their own cells and from plants;
• use stereo microscopes to observe mutations in fruit flies;
• genetically engineer bacteria cells with firefly genes; and
• showcase their camp work during Parent Participation Day on Friday at 2:30 p.m.

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Available dates: add location:

• Session One: June 16-20 at Caras con Causa, Cataño
• Session Two: June 30-July 3 at AC3, Arecibo Observatory Historic District

Developed as a sequel to the popular Fun with DNA exploration, World of Enzymes builds on basic concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology and enables students to utilize advanced techniques to manipulate DNA. Through direct observation and manipulation of enzymes, participants develop an understanding of the importance of proteins, not only in living things, but also in recombinant DNA technology, cloning, and industry.

Participants will:

• build molecular models;
• observe enzymes in action that are used for food production and healthcare;
• use enzymes to cut and splice DNA;
• analyze DNA fragments with gel electrophoresis;
• make a personal DNA fingerprint; and
• showcase their camp work during Parent Participation Day on Friday at 2:30 p.m.

Apply to attend

Available dates: add location:

• Session One: June 2-6 at UPR Arecibo, Arecibo
• Session Two: June 23-27 at AC3, Arecibo Observatory Historic District

The DNA Science exploration introduces high school and college students with little or no research experience in molecular genetics to the elegant tools of modern biotechnology, and is centered around laboratory work. Each experiment acts as a stepping stone for the next. Students begin with the basic techniques of DNA restriction, transformation, and isolation; then apply them to the construction and analysis of a simple recombinant.

Participants will:

• evaluate the difference between the rapid and classical method of bacterial transformation by calculating transformation efficiencies using pAMP and pKAN plasmids;
• perform a restriction analysis and gel electrophoresis; and
• digest plasmids with restriction enzymes, ligate the fragments together, then transform the recombinant-DNA, and finally perform a plasmid minipreparation of the new recombinant to identify how it originally ligated.

Apply to attend

Available dates: add location:

• Session One: June 9-13 at AC3, Arecibo Observatory Historic District
• Session Two: June 23-27 at Caras con Causa, Cataño

Experience the process of science in this project-based exploration. A short "DNA barcode" (about 700 nucleotides in length) is a unique pattern of DNA sequence that can potentially identify any living organism. DNA barcoding projects allow students to link molecular genetics to ecology and evolution—with the potential to contribute new scientific knowledge about biodiversity, conservation biology, and human effects on the environment.

Participants will:

• extract and amplify DNA from plant and insects samples;
• use web-based bioinformatic tools to analyze DNA sequences and identify species;
• create phylogenetic trees to display genetic and evolutionary relationships; and
• use building blocks to model how polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify DNA barcodes.

Apply to attend