Add some DNA to your day . . .

One session is offered for one Saturday in each month from October to June. Some sessions are for ages 10-13 with an accompanying chaperone, while others are for students ages 14 to adult with accompanying chaperone for participants under 15. All sessions are two hours long: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Chaperones fully participate in all program activities.

Sessions are $15.00 per person ($30.00 for a participating student and accompanying chaperone.)

The sessions are held at the Dolan DNA Learning Center at 334 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. Click to view directions to the Dolan DNA Learning Center.

What you need to do:

• Read through the descriptions of the activities when available, and decide which sessions you might like to attend.
• You must read and follow the instructions on the Reservation Guidelines. Applications not adhering to these guidelines will be returned.
• Download reservation forms for the Saturday DNA! sessions you are interested in.
• Reserve your space by completing and returning a reservation form with your payment. You must include a separate check or money order for each session you plan to attend.

Mailing address:

DNA Learning Center/CSHL
One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Saturday DNA! information line: (516) 367-5168

Main office line: (516) 367-5170

Saturday DNA! was developed by our educational and scientific staff to serve children, teens, and adults interested in DNA programs outside of the school setting. We offer a variety of 2-hour laboratory- and computer-based sessions.

Download a PDF of the newsletter for the programs we offer.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Mendel, Mendel…How does your Garden Grow?    SESSION CLOSED

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ages 10-13, chaperone required

Gregor Mendel, the “Father of Genetics”, observed that physical traits were passed from parents to offspring in his garden. Interestingly enough, his work took place in the mid-1800’s, decades before the term gene was coined. Mendel’s laws of inheritance explain how certain genetic diseases are inherited, how children can have different traits than their parents, and why it seems that some traits “skip” generations. Come join us for an afternoon; learn more about classical genetics!

In this session participants will:

• learn about Gregor Mendel’s experiments with pea plants;
• use Punnett squares to predict outcomes of genetic crosses;
• experience the DNALC’s new Gene Screen app;
• build a creature with unique genetic traits.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

DNA: Innocent or Guilty?

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ages 14 - Adult; under 15 years chaperone required

Have you ever wondered how the FBI and forensic scientists analyze the DNA found at crime scenes? DNA profiling, or “fingerprinting”, is now routinely used to solve crimes. Come and experience firsthand how DNA is extracted from cells, amplified by PCR reaction, and then analyzed using a BioAnalyzer to assist in the identification of an individual based on his or her DNA profile.

In this lab session, participants will:

• isolate their own DNA from their cheek cells;
• amplify a targeted section of their DNA using polymerase chain reaction;
• analyze their DNA and learn how this technique is used in crime labs to help identify individuals suspected of a crime.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

The Mystery of Anastasia     SESSION CLOSED

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ages 10-13, chaperone required

Many stories have been told about the Romanovs, the last Royal Family of Russia. In 1918, when the Romanovs went missing, there were rumors that the family was murdered. Yet in 1920 a woman claiming to be Princess Anastasia resurfaced in Germany and presented evidence to prove her identity as a member of this Royal Family. What evidence did she have? Could she be lying? Did anyone believe her? Join us and uncover answers to The Mystery of Anastasia!

In this session, participants will:

• perform a computer-based lab;;
• use forensic techniques to investigate evidence;
• compare DNA sequences to determine the mystery woman’s identity.