The Aspen Science Center is dedicated to providing world-class instructors to illuminate motivated students with cutting-edge physics, biology, and diagnostic sciences during the summers. Our goal has been to provide a rich array of week-long explorations that are attractive (and valuable) to bright middle/high school students, providing them with college-level science instruction, resources and techniques. To continue to deliver this level and breadth of programming, it is imperative that we have a critical mass of students, parents and funding!!

This summer, July 14-18 we will be offering a deep, fascinating multi-level course to enable students to explore the cutting-edge of DNA/Genomics, called DNA MASTERS (see description).

The course will be held Mon-Fri 9Am to 3PM (subject to filling the class), and tuition is $450 (Click the button below to pay online). We will offer a larger selection next summer (provided there is sufficient support!)

 

DNA Masters!

July 14-18 Grades 7-9 Cost $450

Immerse yourself in the most exciting areas of DNA exploration using cutting-edge techniques and equipment!

Depending on student aptitude and time, we will explore the following:

Create new species!

Use PCR and gel electropheresis to
· Extract DNA from bacteria
· Build molecular models
· Microscopically examine bacteria, viruses, and genetic mutations
· Genetically "engineer" bacteria by inserting RNA

Clone living organisms!

·A comprehensive crash course in recombinant DNA science and genetic engineering.
· Learn recombinant-DNA techniques used to manufacture human insulin and other biotech products.
· Learn about enzymes and their role in recombinant DNA.
· Use restriction enzymes to cut and splice DNA
· Clone a jellyfish gene into bacteria
· Clone zebrafish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solve a Crime!

· Students will use DNA fingerprinting to identify suspects at a mock crime scene,
· Examine blood DNA to trace the culprit with 1:1,000,000 accuracy
· Create a personal DNA fingerprint !

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a sample of last summer's offerings, which will be offered next summer depending on interest/participation.

Waterkeeper Discovery Week
Grades 5-7+ Cost $400

This is CSI for Water bodies. Learn how to identify, isolate, and trace pollutants
in your local rivers and ditches though a series of indicators: Macroinvertebrates Chemistry (PH, DO) In-stream investigation (flow, temp turbidity), bacteria, and optical brighteners.
Student teams will summarize, analyze, interpret and present their conclusions to the County Commissioners during active session.


DNA Explorers Safari
Grades 5-7+ Cost $450

This enriched course will introduce budding biologists to the core concepts and most exciting innovations in the field of genetics and biology!
DNA Explorers will
• Construct cell and DNA models.
• Extract DNA from bacteria
• Microscopically examine bacteria, viruses, and genetic mutations
• Genetically “engineer” bacteria by inserting RNA

DNA Explorers 2 : World of Enzymes
Grades 7-8+ Cost $450
Through direct cloning, enzyme manipulation and observation, the team will learn importance of proteins, not only in living things, but also in recombinant DNA technology, cloning, and industry.
Explorers will
• Build molecular models
• Analyze enzymes used for food production and healthcare products
• Use enzymes to cut and splice DNA
• CSI: examine blood DNA to trace the culprit with 1:1,000,000 accuracy
• Create a personal DNA fingerprint

Aspen CSI: Cloning and Recombinant DNA Science
Grades 10-12 Cost $450
Learn fundamental techniques of recombinant DNA, including DNA restriction and ligation,
bacterial transformation, and plasmid isolation.

Students will:
• Examine bacterial growth curves using the E.coli genetic system.
• Digest plasmids with restriction enzymes, ligate the fragments together, then transform the recombinant-DNA, and finally perform a plasmid minipreparation of the new recombinant to identify how it originally ligated.

The Physics of Superheroes
Grades 10-12 Cost $400

Just how DOES Superman leap a tall building in a single bound? This is where to find out! The Physics of Superheroes explores everything from energy, to thermodynamics, to quantum mechanics, to solid-state physics, and relates the physics in comic books to such real-world applications as automobile airbags, microwave ovens, and transistors. Fun, provocative, and packed with more superheroes than an Avengers-Justice League crossover!