STEM in the Summer: DNA Learning Center Summer Camp

For many students, the last ring of the school year’s bell is the time when summer learning begins, since many parents and educators recognize the benefits of summer learning to maintain and enhance educational progress. Fortunately, there are many summer learning opportunities, and the growing need for STEM education is a perfect environment to make it happen. One such innovative program in the education space is the DNA Learning Summer Camp—geared for young students and aimed at engaging them in STEM studies.

Why Summer Learning?

Research has proven the benefits of learning over the summer to maintain knowledge retention when it’s time to return to school in the fall. A 2011 Rand Report noted that, on average, students regress educationally by one month by summer’s end. While trends vary, all students lose ground in mathematics, while low-income students typically also lose ground in reading. The report’s most troubling finding was that summer learning loss accumulates over time, which contributes to income-related achievement gaps. The National Summer Learning Association agrees, noting that there are a number of trends associated with the “summer slide,” including the fact that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer than they do at the beginning, and that most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. The good news is that participation in summer learning programs helps to lessen the loss and supports educational gains.

Why STEM?

The STEM education acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and includes a wide variety of disciplines that fall within each of those fields. In the United States, STEM education is emphasized and supported through a number of initiatives because of the tremendous impact these industries have on our society. STEM-related career opportunities abound, and those skilled in these areas are some of the best compensated positions with considerable potential for job growth. As competition in the job market heats up, it’s essential that young students today (who will be the leaders of tomorrow) are equipped with the education and skills necessary to be successful.

Why the DNA Learning Center?

The DNA Learning Center is the world’s first science center devoted entirely to genetics education. Since 1985, over 14,000 students have participated in DNA camps at a number of locations. This summer’s camp is geared toward science enthusiasts entering 6th to 12th grade, who will use high-tech laboratory and computer equipment to perform advanced experiments under the guidance of experienced instructors. There are 10 courses students can choose from. Each course caters to a specific age group and complements the other courses.

• “Fun with DNA” focuses on building a strong foundation in biology.
• “World of Enzymes” builds on concepts learned in “Fun with DNA.”
• “Green Genes” introduces students to recombinant-DNA techniques to manufacture biotech products.
• “Forensic Detectives” provides a follow up to “World of Enzymes” and introduction to forensic science.
• “Backyard Barcoding” is an introduction to genetics with an emphasis on the study of biological diversity.
• “DNA Science” provides extensive lab experience with the basic techniques of recombinant DNA.
• “Silencing Genomes” explores the power of the Nobel prize-winning discovery of RNA interference (RNAi).
• “BioCoding” is an introductory course in bioinformatics and coding for students with little or no programming experience.
• “Genome Science” integrates biochemical and computer methods used to analyze the genetic components of living things.
• “DNA Barcoding Research” is a two-week independent research camp for advanced students.

Thanks to innovative programs like the DNA Learning Center, summer learning can be an effective and fun option for students who seek to not only enjoy their summers, but to grow and learn while they’re doing it too.

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