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Life Science Explorers
About the program
A hands-on research experience for middle school students over the age of 12. Over 12 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 will run more cohorts next year if you cannot join us this spring. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to keep up to date.
Questions? Email lifescienceexplorers@sound.bio
Program dates - Spring 2025
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.
Tue May 6th 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Thurs May 8th 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Tue May 13 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Thurs May 15 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Tue May 20 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Thurs May 22 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Tue May 27 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Thurs May 29 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Tue June 3 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Thurs June 5 4:30PM - 6:30 PM - Including Jamboree (parents invited)
Application process and form
The maximum cohort size is 8 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:
Students those who can attend all sessions of the program.
Students from groups marginalized in STEM
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
There is a $150 fee for this program.
Young scientists working in our lab space in Seattle’s University District
PAST COHORTS - Summer 2024 & Fall 2024
During our two week program, five students between the ages of 12 and 14 spent a cumulative 18 hours in the lab sequencing moss samples they collected from their local ecosystems. Students first gained a foundation in the basics of DNA and the Central Dogma of Biology, then gained hands-on lab experience as they learned about — and executed! — protocols including PCR and gel electrophoresis. Students also learned microscopy skills as they constructed and used their own Foldscopes to observe their specimens, and learned about the critical role mosses play in Pacific Northwest ecosystems as they made their very own moss terrariums. The program culminated in the LSE Jamboree, where the students presented to their friends and families about the work they did and what they learned. We were blown away by the enthusiasm and tenacity of the first LSE cohort, and can’t wait to run the camp again in the Fall (this time as an after-school program)!
Info session REcording
The info session for our Summer 2024 cohort was on June 1 2024