EDUCATION OUTREACH

The Salk Mobile Science Lab is a free three-day biotechnology program serving middle schools throughout San Diego County. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about genetics and DNA from real Salk Institute scientists. The Salk Institute is a world-renowned laboratory on the cutting edge of genetics research. During the three-day Salk Mobile Science Lab curriculum students conduct experiments designed to illustrate that traits are coded for by a set of instructions called DNA. Students not only learn about the structure and function of DNA but also the techniques that are used every day in real labs to analyze DNA. On the first day, students look at populations of fruit flies under a microscope to learn about the uses of model organisms, the effects of genetic transmission and mutations. On the second day, they extract actual DNA from wheat germ. Finally, on the third day, students simulate techniques used to analyze DNA fragments by performing gel electrophoresis. All the necessary equipment is brought directly to the classroom where up to 160 students practice hands-on, interactive science for three days.

The program’s success relies on volunteers from Salk. These volunteers help distinguish the Salk Mobile Science Lab from other educational outreach programs due to the special opportunity students have to be exposed not only to content and biotechnology techniques, but to research scientists as well. Each volunteer works for one to three days with a small group of 6-8 students, which gives the students the unique experience of working closely with a researcher. Our scientists are passionate about their field of study and enjoy sharing it with young people, and this enthusiasm is often a key factor in changing students’ perceptions about science.

In a typical academic year, there are 15-20 spots available via an open application each August. If you would like to sign-up to be in the know when the next registration opens, click here to sign-up for our teacher newsletter or email education@salk.edu with any questions.

Salk Mobile Science Lab donors

Thank you to the following donors whose contributions have allowed the Mobile Science Lab to serve 2,300+ students and 50+ teachers across San Diego County in the 2021-2022 school year through virtual school visits, classroom activity kits and teacher trainings.