Saturday DNA! NYC - Lab-o-ween!

Details

Get ready for a Halloween-themed hands-on science adventure! Costumes are welcome. 

In this workshop, participants will dive into two experiments: extracting DNA from pumpkin and making glow-in-the-dark bacteria art. We’ll discuss what DNA is and where it’s stored, how it controls life, and how we can extract it from cells - participants can even take some pumpkin DNA home! We’ll also discuss one of the smallest forms of life, bacteria, and how scientists can reprogram cells to make glowing proteins. Show off your artistic side by creating one-of-a-kind “bio paintings” on agar plates using harmless glowing bacteria! 

In this session, participants will:

• Discuss what DNA is and how it works;
• Extract and see pumpkin DNA with their own eyes;
• Explore how bacteria can be designed to produce fluorescent proteins; and 
• Create original agar art using engineered microbes. A digital link will be sent the following week so you can see your living art in full bloom!

Ages 10-14, no adult chaperone required.

Event Host

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center