Explorations of Biological Sciences and DNA–AC3 2024

Timeline:

Applications open: April 11, 2024;

Applications will typically be reviewed and approved within 7 business days; scholarship requests may take additional time.

Applications close: May 27, 2024
Logotipo del Centro de aprendizaje de ADN del Laboratorio Cold Spring Harbor en azul y negro con forma circular de doble hélice

Designed and approved by the DNA Learning Center (DNALC) of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), the world’s first science center devoted entirely to public genetics education and the largest provider of biotechnology instruction at the precollege level in the United States. We want all the students in our country, from public and private schools, to have the opportunity to raise their level and quality of academic training.

DNA Barcoding

Session 1: June 3–7, 2024
Session 2: June 10–14, 2024

Experience the process of science in this one-week 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 thing. DNA barcoding projects allow students to link molecular genetics and ecology while learning about biodiversity, conservation biology, and human effects on the environment.

Students will:

  • extract and amplify DNA from plant and invertebrate samples;
  • use web-based bioinformatic tools to analyze DNA sequences and identify species of origin;
  • create phylogenetic trees to display genetic and evolutionary relationships;
  • use building blocks to model how polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify DNA barcodes; and
  • complete an open-ended project to investigate biodiversity.

Details:

  • Students entering grades 9–12
  • Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $350 per student
  • Scholarships available (teacher letter of recommendation required)
  • Transportation available from San Juan and Arecibo
  • Lunch not included

For more information email at: visit@areciboc3.org

Apply Now

Fun with DNA

Session 1: June 17–21, 2024
Session 2: June 24–28, 2024

Fun with DNA is an entry-level course in DNA science. This one-week exploration is designed especially for highly motivated students interested in expanding their knowledge of basic genetics and cell biology.

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; and
  • genetically engineer bacteria cells with firefly genes.

Details:

  • Students entering grades 5–8
  • Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m; friday–parent day, in person visit from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and/or in virtual format.
  • Cost: $250 per student
  • Scholarships available (teacher letter of recommendation required)
  • Transportation available from San Juan and Arecibo
  • Lunch not included

For more information email at: visit@areciboc3.org

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions & Summer Exploration Activities Policies

Enrollment

We have two student groups: middle school and high school. When a student has completed fifth grade, they are eligible to apply for Fun with DNA, the first of the summer exploration series for middle schoolers. When a student has completed ninth grade, they are eligible to apply for DNA Barcoding.

Approximately one week after submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with all pertinent exploration information and how to submit a payment.

Confirmations are automatically generated and sent to the email address you entered during registration. Please confirm that you have entered the correct address. If you did not receive confirmation please contact visit@areciboc3.org

Payment

  • Payment is by credit card, cash, or check. Summer exploration space is held immediately upon receipt of payment.
  • Due to the expense and time involved to resolve these disputed charges, it has become necessary to cancel a summer exploration enrollment if tuition payment is disputed. You will have to re-enroll, and we cannot guarantee that your original exploration choice will be available.

Scholarships are available upon request for those with a financial need. A strong recommendation letter from a teacher from your child's school is also required.

To apply for a scholarship:
  • Complete the application form and select your household income at the end of the form. Once you submit your application you will receive an acknowledgement message that will include a link for you to share with your child’s teacher to complete the recommendation letter. This must be completed by a teacher or mentor for the student in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math).

    Engish letter of recommendation request form
    Spanish letter of recommendation request form

  • Once the teacher completes the recommendation letter and submits it to us we will review and notify via email the results in 7 business days.
  • If you are awarded a scholarship you will be informed of its value (either a partial or full scholarship).
Note: Enrollment is not secured until scholarship requests are approved, and in the case of partial scholarships, the remaining balance must be paid by credit card.

Changes After Registration

  • All cancellation requests for paid applications must be in writing (email or letter), include student's name, exploration, exploration date, and signed by parent or guardian.
    To request cancellation by email, write to visit@areciboc3.org
  • To be eligible for a refund, cancellation requests must be received by the Arecibo AC3 STEM Center a minimum of two weeks prior to the session start date—with no exceptions. You will receive confirmation of your cancellation.
  • If your child is sick and cannot return to the summer exploration, refunds will only be given if a doctor's note, on official letterhead, is received before the end of the registered exploration week—with no exceptions.
  • No partial refunds will be issued if a student misses one or more days of the summer exploration—with no exceptions.

When Summer Exploration Begins...

Please call the emergency contact phone number: 1-855-871-8237

Provide your child's name and the name of the exploration they are attending. We will notify the instructor. Please understand that we cannot give prorated refunds for missed exploration days.

Explorations are held at the NSF Site for the Arecibo Observatory Historic District (former Arecibo Observatory). Google map link.

Students should bring lunch in a container labeled with their name and the exploration they are attending. During our opening phase, on-site food options are limited. You will be notified if or when food truck options are available.

To protect students with peanut allergies, we ask you not to send lunches or snacks that contain peanuts, peanut oil, or any tree nut.

Parents/guardians must provide transportation. We are planning to offer bus transportation from two locations, one in San Juan and one in Arecibo.

Students should be dropped off and picked up at the main entrance. A staff person will be in attendance each morning and afternoon to assist students.

For safety reasons, all students are required to wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals) when in the laboratory.

Students only need to bring lunches; they will be provided workbooks and supplies. Avoid bringing valuables as the AreciboC3 Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Cell phones must be turned off or placed into Airplane mode except in emergencies.

Parents will be invited to special activities on the final day of each Fun with DNA. If not possible to attend in person we will also do it virtually.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF Awards ID 2321759, 2321760, 2321761, and 2321762.) Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Logotipo de la Fundación Nacional de Ciencias. Una letra N estilizada en azul y blanco con un globo terráqueo y estrellas en el centro.