Life Science Explorers
About the program
A hands-on research experience for middle school students over the age of 12. Over 9 sessions students will complete an original research workflow, using DNA as a tool to identify moss species. Alongside this work participants will complete a curriculum covering molecular biology, ecology and exploration of life science careers.
Participants will be supported by a team of volunteer instructors including multiple professional biologists, keen to share their knowledge and skills to support young scientists.
We plan to run 2 cohorts of this program in 2024, and, depending on funding, multiple times per year after that.
Questions?
Email lifescienceexplorers@gmail.com
Summer 2024 cohort
Info session - Sat June 1st, 3 - 4 PM @ SOundBio Lab and on zoom
Find out more and see the space. Attendance at the info session is recommended but not required. Students and/or parents and guardians are welcome.
Program dates
All sessions will be at SoundBio Lab in Seattle’s University District. Sessions all connect to make one cohesive experience so it is best for students to attend all sessions.
The lab sessions will be for students only. The Jamboree will be open to parents, guardians, friends and supporters. Students will share what they learned and the results of their research.
Lab sessions:
Mon July 22nd 9 AM - 12 PM
Wed July 24th 9 AM - 12 PM
Fri July 26th 9 AM - 12 PM
Mon July 29th 9 AM - 12 PM
Wed July 31st 9 AM - 12 PM
Fri Aug 2nd 9 AM - 12 PM
Jamboree - Fri Aug 2nd 1 PM - 3 PM
Application process and form
The maximum cohort size is 10 students, because our lab is small. Applications will be screened to ensure that students meet the eligibility criteria (aged 12 - 14), and priority will be given to those who can attend all sessions of the program. Then places will be offered in the order that applications were received.
Applications will be reviewed and then awarded in the order that they were received.
COST
This program will be offered completely free in 2024 thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, including the Society for Science STEM Action Grant. We are still preparing the application process and will update this page as we do so.
We ask everyone who is able to set up a recurring donation of any amount. We are a community powered organization, with only 1 staff member. Our volunteers donate almost $200, 000 of their time per year to deliver cutting edge science education and research experiences. All donations are put to immediate effect to ensure that we can create new programs and remove barriers to participation in science. Donations are not in any way tied to application screening for this program.
Young scientists working in our lab space in Seattle’s University District