Join us for the last round of Saturday DNA! sessions of this season.

Walking whales and hippos! Stem cells and blood types! Professional techniques to examine your genetic make-up!

Explore some of these intriguing new topics before we head into our summer hiatus.



Add some DNA to your day . . . Two sessions are offered for each Saturday in this newsletter. The early sessions are appropriate for students ages 10-13 with an accompanying chaperone. The later sessions are appropriate for ages 14 to adult, with accompanying chaperone for participants under 15. All sessions are two hours long. Chaperones fully participate in all program activities. Sessions are $15.00 per person. So, the fee would be $30.00 for a participating student and accompanying chaperone. Directions to our facility and parking information will be included with the reservation and confirmation sheet that will be mailed to you.		What you need to do: • Read through the descriptions of the activities. • Decide which sessions you might like to attend. • Read Reservation Guidelines. • Download reservation forms for the Saturday DNA! sessions you are interested in. Or call the Saturday DNA! information line: (516) 367-5168. • Reserve your space by completing and returning a reservation form with your payment. You must include a separate check or money order for each session you plan to attend. Mailing address: Dolan DNA Learning Center/CSHL One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor NY 11724 Located at: 334 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor NY 11724 516-367-5170 Saturday DNA! 516-367-5168



Saturday, April 9, 2005

It’s Not Just Scientists! 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Audience: Ages 10-13, with chaperone In this activity children will explore the inheritance of genetic information from one generation to the next, and learn some of the techniques used by professionals to examine an individual’s genetic make-up. Surprisingly these are techniques used not only by scientists but by doctors, genetic counselors, and more! Participants will have the opportunity to: • view cells and chromosomes with a compound microscope; • interpret a pedigree, or family tree • use Punnett squares to predict possible inheritance of specific traits; • simulate the technique of karyotyping.		Stem Cells: When Does Life Begin??? 2:00 - 4:00 PM Audience: Ages 14-adult, with chaperone for participants under the age of 15 Stem cell research is a hot topic. Stem cells can differentiate into many different cell types when subjected to the right biochemical signals. The most versatile stem cells, called pluripotent stem cells, are present in the first days after a sperm fertilizes an egg. Researchers believe they can coax stem cells to become whatever tissues patients need to help the body heal and regenerate unhealthy or damaged cells. So what is all the controversy about? What are the ethical issues at stake? In this lab participants will: • explore the difference between types of stem cells; • become familiar with the potential uses of human stem cells; • debate the various points of view involving the current issues; • formulate a personal position about this topic.
This session is closed		This session is closed

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Walking Whales and Genetic Tales 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Audience: Ages 10-13, with chaperone Is there evidence that whales and hippos could be ancestral cousins? Within the genetic code is information that can reflect the journey of evolution for each organism. The accumulation of mutations over time has enabled the development of new species. Although the physical appearance of two organisms may lead us to believe that few similarities exist, the secret of life begins at the molecular level. Through the analysis of DNA sequences, we now have the ability to trace the connections that exist between all forms of life. In this lab session participants will: • discuss the process of evolution and the role of genetic mutations; • explore the ancient relationship between whales and hippos; • study genetic evidence to understand the similarities that link these two organisms.		Is There a Neanderthal in Your Family Tree? 2:00 – 4:00 PM Audience: Ages 14-adult, with chaperone for participants under the age of 15 Humans are the result of millions of years of evolution and have migrated all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. In this computer-based session participants will: • examine bones and other physical evidence highlighting the differences between early hominid species; • learn about different theories relating to how early hominids migrated throughtout the world; • compare DNA between humans, Neanderthals, and other primates to understand the evolutionary relationship between these species.
This session is closed		Download reservation form

Saturday, June 11, 2005

The Fluid of Life 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Audience: Ages 10-13, with chaperone A typical adult has an average of five liters of blood pumping through their body. This substance delivers essential elements and removes harmful wastes from the body. Every person has a unique blood type that differs in chemical and physical composition. In this lab session participants will: • examine the importance of blood to living organisms; • analyze and identify blood types using laboratory techniques on a simulated sample of blood; • discuss and determine how blood types are inherited and how these types play an important role in blood transfusion.		RNAi: The Destroyer 2:00 – 4:00 PM Audience: Ages 14-adult, with chaperone for participants under the age of 15 Would you be surprised to know that your DNA contains parasitic nucleic acids? Did you know that pathogenic viruses inject their nucleic acids into your cells? Fortunately, there is a process called RNA interference (RNAi) that has evolved to destroy these pathogenic and parasitic nucleic acids. Participants in this session will: • explore how RNA interference destroys nucleic acids; •examine mutant worms produced using RNAi; • discuss how RNA interference is used as a research tool to understand gene function.
This session is closed		Download reservation form

Dolan DNA Learning Center's
	Join us for the last round of Saturday DNA! sessions of this season. Walking whales and hippos! Stem cells and blood types! Professional techniques to examine your genetic make-up! Explore some of these intriguing new topics before we head into our summer hiatus.