Rigorous Academic Pursuit - Learning in Collaboration with DNA Learning Center

DNA can solve past mysteries and provide groundbreaking solutions for the future.

Our fifth graders are diving into this exciting area of science through Saint David's longstanding partnership with the DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor. This winter, the boys are learning from DNALC educators and scientists who co-teach the DNA unit over several weeks with our science teachers. In hands-on labs, the boys delve into the structure and function of DNA and learn how random mutation and natural selection lead to species' evolution.

Last week, the class spent a day at the DNALC Laboratory in Cold Spring Harbor where they observed slides under a microscope to investigate how pollen found in food samples from Europe's oldest mummified 'iceman' are able to clue us into his movements in the days before he died in the Italian Alps. They also observed Dresophila fly specimens under a dissection scope to see how genetic mutations in DNA result in a variety of physical traits within the species.

A highlight of the day was a talk given by a scientist who spoke to the boys about her research into how different parts of the brain work together to interpret multi-sensory stimuli.

This immersive learning experience enables our boys to draw inspiration from the combined expertise of their Saint David's teachers as well as geneticists and educators whose careers are devoted to DNA. Over several sessions together, the boys become comfortable interacting with scientific experts who are conducting state-of-the-art research.

Saint David's partnership with DNALC is in it seventh year. This program is made possible by the generosity of our community through their annual giving. It's a signature experience for our boys that inspires them to rigorously pursue answers to complex questions. The mark of a scholar.

For more about Saint David's School, visit www.saintdavids.org

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David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

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