Life Science Explorers
About the program
A hands-on research experience for middle school students over the age of 12. Throughout 10 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
2026 Program dates TO BE ANNOUNCED
Young scientists working in our lab space in Seattle’s University District
PAST COHORTS
SPRING 2025
A five week hands-on research experience for middle school students over the age of 12. Throughout 10 sessions, students completed an original research workflow, using DNA as a tool to identify moss species. Alongside this work participants completed a curriculum covering molecular biology, ecology and exploration of life science careers.
Participants were supported by a team of volunteer instructors, including multiple professional biologists, keen to share their knowledge and skills to support young scientists.
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