Workshops at SoundBio Lab

Workshops at SoundBio Lab are fun, hands-on science learning experiences. You can grow bacteria, create billions of DNA molecules in a test tube or find new life down the eyepiece of a microscope! Workshops are run in our lab space, with groups of 3-10 participants, and are led by a volunteer educator with years of experience in laboratory science under their belt.

  • We run multiple different workshop every month.

  • All of our workshops are suitable for total beginners unless clearly stated in the workshop description.

  • All participants must be at least 12 years old.

  • Workshops are typically priced at $30 per person. SoundBio Lab members (which includes all volunteers) get 50% off for themselves and a guest. Fee waivers are available if the cost is prohibitive. You can apply for a fee waiver via this form.

  • In the event that a workshop is cancelled, we’ll issue a free coupon you can exchange for any future workshop.

Click on any workshop in the calendar to learn more and register for the event!

Our fees go to keeping our community science space open and operational. But we don’t want anyone to miss out due to their financial situation - If our fees pose a significant barrier to your participation please contact workshops@sound.bio for a fee discount or waiver.

If you purchase a ticket and are unable to attend, please email workshops@sound.bio to receive a credit reimbursement that you can apply to a future event.

Example workshop offerings

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Pipetting

Have you ever wondered how a micropipette works or why it is essential for all molecular biologists? In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the essentials of pipetting and become master micropipettors.

Skill level: Beginner Time: 1 hour

PAINTING WITH BACTERIA

Come merge your artistic and scientific sides! In this workshop, we will explore how we can use fluorescent proteins to make art and understand how they are used across science. We will discuss the steps of bacterial transformation and its importance in biotechnology.

Skill level: Beginner Time: 1.5-2 hours

polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Learn about the structure and function of DNA and explore the process that allows scientists to turn one DNA molecule into billions inside a tiny tube (PCR). Use electricity and porous gels to separate DNA molecules by size (electrophoresis).

Skill level: Beginner Time: 2-2.5 hours

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STRAWBERRY DNA EXTRACTION

Learn the basics of DNA structure and function. You will apply your knowledge to extract DNA from strawberries, following the same principles scientists use to extract DNA from their samples.

Skill level: Beginner Time: 2 hours

minipreps

In this workshop, you will discuss plasmids (small circular pieces of DNA in bacteria), why bacteria use them, and how scientists use them in the lab. Learn how plasmid DNA differs from genomic DNA, and extract plasmid DNA.

Skill level: Beginner Time: 1.5-2 hours