Campers Extract DNA From Strawberries at Illinois State Science Camp

The world of science education is brimming with opportunities to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in young minds. A recent summer camp at Metcalf School exemplified this, providing a hands-on experience that showcased the diverse and exciting facets of science to eager campers.

Camp Wildcat, themed around "Careers in Science," welcomed 43 children aged 5 to 13, immersing them in a day filled with interactive activities led by Illinois State University faculty, staff, and students. From exploring water flow dynamics to delving into the microscopic world of bees and crickets, the campers embarked on a journey of scientific discovery.

Unveiling the Secrets of Strawberry DNA

One particularly engaging activity involved extracting strawberry DNA. Under the guidance of Mehrnoosh Bahmani from Illinois State's Department of Chemistry, the campers transformed ripe strawberries into a gooey mixture, adding soap, water, salt, and isopropanol to unveil the hidden genetic material. To their astonishment, they witnessed the DNA literally floating to the top, a tangible demonstration of the building blocks of life.

"You take strawberries, you mush them up, and then you add some soap, water, salt, and isopropanol, and the DNA literally floats to the top," explained Aly Hearn '13, Chemistry Stockroom Manager and organizer of Illinois State's efforts. "You can pick it up with a fork and hold DNA in your hands."

Igniting a Passion for Science Education

Beyond the excitement of scientific experiments, the camp aimed to inspire a lifelong love for learning. The children interacted with experts from various disciplines, gaining insights into the breadth and interconnectedness of science. The activities fostered a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging the campers to explore the world around them with newfound enthusiasm.

"It was a great opportunity for our kids here to see what Illinois State has to offer," said Metcalf Program Coordinator Nick Lisowski '08. "At some point, these kids will be college students, and hopefully they discovered passions that maybe they’ll pursue here one day."

Lifelong Learning and the Joy of Discovery

The success of Camp Wildcat lies in its ability to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experiences. Through hands-on activities and engaging interactions, the campers developed a deeper understanding of scientific principles while also discovering the inherent joy of exploration. This fosters a foundation for lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to continue seeking knowledge and understanding throughout their lives.

As Hearn aptly pointed out, "We're all teachers. We're all lifelong learners. We all enjoy those interactions with students, and we all want to help them learn."

The camp served as a testament to the power of science education in shaping young minds, igniting passions, and inspiring a love for discovery that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.