DNA Learning Center Science Camps and Programs

DNA Learning Center Science Camps and Programs includes Science Camps with topics such as Fun with DNA, Genome Science, and Forensic Detectives, plus Virtual Science Camps. The program also offers field trips, including in-person and virtual science field trips, Ötzi the Iceman Field Trips with guided tours and hands-on, Ötzi-inspired labs, DNALC LIVE! video programming, in-school instruction, educator training workshops, citizen science through the Citizen DNA Barcode Network, and student research programs.

Programs

• Science Camps — Ages not stated · Summer · At four DNALC locations; topics include Fun with DNA, Genome Science, Forensic Detectives, and more. Virtual Science Camps are also offered.
• Field Trips — Grades 3–12 · Academic year only, September-June · In-person and virtual science field trips; field trips are held during the academic year only.
• Ötzi the Iceman Field Trips — Grades 5–12 · Lab time 1 hour · Stand-alone guided tours and packages with additional hands-on, Ötzi-inspired labs; offered only at Cold Spring Harbor or Brooklyn depending on the program.
• Field Trips at DNALC NYC — Grades 5–12 · Lab times vary by lab
• In-School Instruction — Grades 5–8 · Up to 5 periods per day · In-school labs for grades 5–8 in the tri-state area.
• DNALC LIVE! — Ages not stated · Video programming · Video programming on topics like Bacteria and Antibiotics, Diversity of Life: Plant and Animal Cells, and DNA Restriction Analysis.
• Educator Training — Ages not stated · Workshops · Free workshops for teachers in biotechnology and genetics.
• Citizen Science — Ages not stated · Citizen DNA Barcode Network engages community research teams using DNA barcoding to explore biodiversity.
• Student Research — Ages not stated · Student research programs on Long Island and in NYC; participants can conduct authentic research in school or alongside scientists.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–12 years old
• General schedule: Science camps; field trips are held during the academic year only, September-June.
• Facility hours: Dolan DNA Learning Center is open to the public Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm; closed Saturday and Sunday except when offering Ötzi tours or Saturday DNA! programs.

About the provider

Since the DNA Learning Center was established in 1988, it has been advancing genetics education through laboratory experiences for students and educators in New York and beyond. The DNA Learning Center has over 37 years of experience in molecular biology and genetics education, and it became the first academic group in the world to involve large numbers of students in DNA manipulation experiments in 1988.

DNALC classrooms are limited to 24 or 32 students. Financial assistance is available for Title 1 schools booking field trips at the DNALC NYC or Harlem DNA Lab. Cancellations or reservation changes require at least 2 weeks notice. Repeated late cancellations or no-shows will not be permitted to make future bookings.

Last updated August 27, 2026.