This three-week enrichment program in molecular biology at Iowa State University for twenty high potential rising 7th and 8th grade students will stress both content instruction and science practice through laboratory experimentation utilizing research techniques and equipment. Participants will design, execute and present the results of an independent project and will interact with scientists in industrial, government, and academic laboratories. Twenty five lectures will cover relevant topics in chemistry, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and biotechnology. A college-level text will be used as a reference. Participants will spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in the laboratory, carrying out over twenty projects and developing research skills. The preliminary results of their independent projects will be presented at public forum. Career exploration will be emphasized through interactions with scientists, visits to industrial and government laboratories and formal career planning exercises. Participants will be encouraged to continue their independent research project during the academic year by means of a mentor program, access to research equipment, and a periodic newsletter. They will be assisted in presenting papers at science fairs, symposia and junior academy of science meetings.
