Workshops and Hands-On Inquiry

Discovering Dinosaur Adaptations

Grades 1-4

Explore the world of dinosaurs by observing their many adaptations and learn what these adaptations tell us about the lifestyles of these prehistoric animals. From a Triceratops horn to a Camarasaurus vertebra, see what new discoveries are being made by paleontologists and uncover the secret lives of dinosaurs.

Key Concepts: adaptations, fossils, structure and function

This Cycle Rocks

Grades 2-6

Explore the rock cycle through hands-on inquiry and investigation. Discover the difference between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and learn about the composition of rocks and minerals. 
Key Concepts: rock cycle, types of rocks, minerals

A Species Problem

Grades 3-6
Available September to mid-June

What is a species? How do we know that one organism is closely related to another? Students will explore three different ways taxonomists define species and why it's such a hard question to answer. 
Key Concepts: speciation, taxonomy 

Bipedal Bones: Solving a Skeletal Mystery

Grades 5-8
Available September to mid-June

“Dead men tell no tales” but their bones just might!  Students examine and measure skeletal casts of several “mystery” primate bones (including humans and some ancient relatives!) to learn more about the stories individual bones can tell. Who did each mystery bone belong to? Could they walk upright? How do we know?
Key Concepts: growth and development, structure and function, evidence in archaeology

DNA Extraction

Grades 4-6

How do you get DNA out of a cell? All genetic work starts with this crucial step. Learn how researchers extract DNA and how different organisms have differing amounts.
Key Concepts: genetics, DNA, lab technologies

Disease Detectives

Grades 5-8

Discover zoonosis: how diseases can jump from animals to us.  Learn and use techniques that epidemiologists use to track down the causes of diseases and keep us safe.
Key Concepts: pathogens, animal vectors, data interpretation, data-based arguments

Powering Up Photosynthesis

Grades 6-8

Plants help combat climate change by removing harmful carbon dioxide from the air. Lurking beneath the water, however, is something far more powerful than regular plants. Our microscopes are ready to bring you an up-close and personal investigation into cyanobacteria! Explore cyanobacteria's unique solution to photosynthesis and learn how it can help us combat climate change.

Key Concepts: photosynthesis, cell structure and function, energy flow, and lab technologies

This program is based on research by Anthony Vecchiarelli, Assistant Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

Let it Glow: A Study in Antibiotic Resistance

Grade 6-8, 9-12
Attend this program for free! Ask the office about scholarship eligibility.

See how antibiotics work in plain, glowing sight! Do an experiment on the effects of antibiotics on bioluminescent bacteria and investigate how RNA plays a part in it. Participants will go hands-on to streak a petri dish and learn how bacteria are grown and used in microbiology experiments.

Key concepts: genetics, structure, and function, using models, lab techniques

This program is based on research by Kristin Koutmou, Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

Water, Weather, and a River Community

Grades K-3
Where does water come from, and where does it go? Students explore what happens to water when it rains, model flood dangers in a river community, conduct experiments about water flow, and discuss life in and around a river.

How Water Shapes the Land

Grades 2-6
Students discover how flowing water causes erosion and sedimentation, shaping and creating various landforms. They explore how human activities influence erosion and test various methods of erosion control.

Protecting Our Watersheds

Grades 3-8
What is a watershed and why is it important? Students explore how various human activities affect water quality both in a stream and as groundwater.