Bioscience Exploration for Middle Schoolers
Program Description
Students entering grades 6- 8 will use RIT's natural environment and high-tech laboratories to explore the biosciences in fun and interesting ways. In each week-long session, students will learn to look at the world the way biologists do using both traditional and modern experimental approaches.
Week I: Living Things: from Macroscopic to Microscopic
July 11 - July 15
Using laboratory and computer investigations designed to engage both mind and body, campers will employ the techniques of biologists to learn about the natural world, and have fun in the process. From DNA to ecosystems, this camp provides the perfect opportunity for young students interested in biology to do scientific inquiry using RIT's expansive natural environment and world class laboratories. Read more to register
Week 2: The Bugs, Beetles and Butterflies in our Backyards
July 18 - July 22
This camp will provide an in depth inquiry into organisms that crawl, creep, squirm, flutter and fly. Insects are an extremely diverse group and many species can be found right on the RIT campus. Campers will collect, identify and observe, as we attempt to understand why there are so many different kinds and the roles they play in the environment. From ants to zorapterans we will gain a new appreciation for these incredible creatures. Read more to register
Week 3: DNA Detectives
July 25 - July 29
Campers will use the high tech methods seen on shows like CSI to investigate crimes. They will extract DNA, run gels, and look at various kinds of forensic evidence to solve mysteries. Campers will also do some detective work about their own genes. They will learn how DNA and other factors determine the traits that make them unique, and how genes were passed down in their own families. (This session is full and registration is closed)
Week 4: What do Cells have to do with Gels?
August 1 - August 5
RIT is at the forefront of cell and genetic research. Campers will take advantage of the resources available on the RIT campus to explore the structure and function of living cells through inquiry-driven activities. Campers will work with bacterial cells to change their genetic make-up, and will learn how bacteria cause us to get sick. (This session is full and registration is closed)
Week 5: Fun with Fossils!
August 8 - August 12
Fossils tell the history of a place, and this region has fossils that date back more than 500 million years. In this camp we learn about paleontology - the study of prehistoric life. We will go on a real fossil dig to excavate and examine fossil remains. We will then compare the fossils we find with living animals to see some of the differences and similarities between extinct and living organisms. We will even learn how to make a fossil. All campers will leave at the end of the week with the fossils they excavate and the ones they make themselves! (This session is full and registration is closed)
