Saturday DNA!

Welcome to the Spring 2008 Saturday DNA! programs!
Are there rules to the game of life?
Can we understand cancer?
How is DNA like a puzzle?
Find out when you join us for the last of the Saturday DNA! sessions before the summer break.

Add some DNA to your day . . . Two sessions are offered for each Saturday in this newsletter. The early sessions are for students ages 10-13 with an accompanying chaperone. The later sessions are appropriate for ages 14 to adult, with accompanying chaperone for participants under 15. All sessions are two hours long. Chaperones fully participate in all program activities.

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

Directions to the Dolan DNA Learning Center are available through the link above. Call (516)367-5170 to request to have them mailed to you.

What you need to do:

• Read through the descriptions of the activities BELOW, 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. Or, call the Saturday DNA! information line: (516) 367-5168.
• 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:
Dolan DNA Learning Center/CSHL
One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Cancer: Inside Out
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Audience: Ages 10-13, with chaperone

Cancer is a disease that affects people of many different ages and nationalities. There are over 100 types of cancer that affect different parts of the body. Cancer starts with mutations in the DNA of cells. Some mutations that lead to cancer can be inherited, but most are caused by environmental factors. Come examine the current research and knowledge that surrounds the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

In this lab session, participants will:
· uncover the genetics behind how cells are controlled and how mutations can disrupt genes leading to cancer;
· simulate an experiment that analyzes DNA to test for a predisposition to certain types of cancers; and
· discover ways scientists are able to better diagnose and treat cancer.

DOWNLOAD application for Cancer: Inside Out

Human Evolution and mtDNA
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ages 14-adult, chaperone for participants under the age of 15

The mitochondrion is a very unique organelle, in that it provides 90% of cells’ daily energy. In addition to this remarkable task, the mitochondria can help us to delineate the lineage of modern humans and our relationship to early primates. Come and explore sequence diversity in mitochondrial DNA sequences.

In this lab session, participants will:
· learn about mtDNA;
· compare mtDNA sequences between modern humans; and
· compare mtDNA sequences of modern humans to earlier primates.

DOWNLOAD application for Human Evolution and mtDNA