News Archive

The Science and Math Saturday Academy visits BTI

Jan 21, 2006

Extracting DNA from strawberries.

Exploring a computer-based plant module.

On January 21, Elizabeth Fox and a group of volunteers led approximately 20 students from the Science and Math Saturday Academy in learning about plant science at BTI. The Science and Math Saturday Academy is a program aimed at local minority students. The academy allows these students to explore different aspects of science and mathematics. The program has been in place for the last 13 years and is headed by local teachers Abraham Lee and Denise Lee.

The day began with a brief introduction to the Boyce Thompson Institute and to DNA. Students extracted DNA in the Kohut Teaching Laboratory by smashing fresh strawberries in Ziploc bags and mixing them with shampoo. The students explored a computer-based plant module in the media center and took a brief tour of the building.

The students ranged in grades from fourth grade all the way to high school. Elizabeth plans to visit Denise Lee’s school and to continue collaborating with the academy in the future.