Join Us at Primrose Farm!

Fall Classes (2025)

DNA Discovery Class
Ages 9 and up

Explore the basics of DNA and the tools and technologies used to study it. In this
class, students will extract DNA from fruit, learn and use micropipette technique,
practice loading samples into agarose gels for experimentation, and create their
own art using these skills. This is a no experience necessary class and open to
anyone excited to learn about DNA and its application to everyday life. The skills
in this class are foundational for the rest of the classes in this series. While not
required, this class is the best place to start in further understanding. Materials
fee included.

The Science of De-Extinction: How to Clone a Wolf
Ages 9 and up

In this class we’ll explore the world's first de-extinct species, the Dire Wolf, as
well as learn the basics of the process used for de-exinction projects currently
underway for the Mammoth and the Dodo Bird among others. Activities in this
class focus on exploring why diversity is important in nature. Part One –
Biodiversity and DNA, explains what DNA is and why it is important in
conservation, dispels myths about wolves, and hands on, demonstrates how to
extract DNA from animal’s drool. In Part Two – Genetics and Bioengineering,
students are lead in a simulation game where they become a pack of wolves
facing various environmental challenges that threaten their survival, we’ll explore
some of the genetic technologies used to help endangered species as well as the
technologies being used to bring extinct species back. This is a no experience
necessary class and open to anyone excited to learn about genetics and
conservation. Materials fee included.

Beating the Next Pandemic: Viral Diagnostics Lab
Ages 12 and up

Case Study: A new virus is spreading across the globe. Use gel electrophoresis
to determine if patients complaining of viral symptoms have seasonal flu or are
infected with the new virus. This exercise reinforces how molecular tools allow
healthcare providers to diagnose hard-to-distinguish infections. Disclaimer: no
pathogenic materials are used. This experimental protocol engages students in a
simulated patient diagnosis exercise. None of the materials provided in this lab
pose a pathogenic risk. Materials fee included.

Dog Genetics Lab: Oodles of Labradoodles
Ages 12 and up

Case Study: Molly the Labradoodle has surprised you with a litter of puppies!
Students will use gel electrophoresis to examine the link between genotype and
phenotype in Molly’s puppies. By tracking the inheritance of a single trait,
students can determine the puppies’ father. This lab covers Mendelian genetics
and the relationship between genotype and phenotype using an engaging and
adorable case study. Material Fee included.

Antibiotic Resistance: Agricultural Monitoring Lab
Ages 14 and up

This lab presents a fictional case study of a very real problem. Antibiotic-resistant
bacteria have been traced to one farm, and neighbors are concerned. Use PCR
(polymerase chain reaction) to test soil samples from neighboring farms to
determine if the antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present. This case study
introduces students to how molecular analyses can serve as a tool in
environmental monitoring and surveillance. Produced in collaboration with PARE
– The Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistance in the Environment project at Tufts
University, and MiniPCR bio. No harmful samples are used in this lab. Materials
fee included.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Detection Lab
Ages 14 and up

Humans have been modifying plants since the dawn of civilization through the
domestication of crops. Modern biotechnology and genetic engineering allow
scientists and breeders to rapidly confer very specific traits by introducing
particular genes directly into plants. Students will assess the presence of
transgenic elements in processed foods and in plants by extracting DNA from
food samples and analyzing DNA using the essential molecular biology
techniques of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and gel electrophoresis. This lab
illustrates real world applications of molecular biology in agriculture and the food
industry, such as the genetic engineering of plants for introduction of novel traits
through recombinant DNA technologies. Materials fee included.

 

Winter Classes (2025-2026)

Did I Marry a Mutant? A DNA Date Day Lab
Feb 14. 1pm-3:30pm
Ages 18+
$24/pp
Can you roll your tongue, but your partner can't? Think cilantro tastes like soap? Your DNA
might be the culprit! Ditch the usual date night and join us for a hands-on lab exploring your
unique genetic quirks. Through a series of fun and surprising tests, you'll uncover the hidden
code that makes you... you. Settle the score and find out who the real mutant is! Bring your
partner or bring a friend, Book now for a date day you won't forget. (Adults 18+ only)

Food Fraud, Forest Forensics, and You: An Intro to DNA Barcoding
Jan 10 1pm-3:30pm
Ages 10+
$35/pp
Is your sushi who it says it is? Can you identify a tree from a single leaf? Join us for a hands-on
lab where you become the scientist and use DNA to find the answers. In this workshop, you'll
learn the powerful technique of DNA barcoding, a genetic tool that acts like a "fingerprint" for
living things. We'll guide you through the process of extracting and analyzing a DNA sample
from a plant, food, or another organism to uncover its true identity.

DNA Discovery Jr.
Ages 3+, with caregiver
Friday Jan 30. 10am-11:30am
$5/pp
Get ready for a messy, hands-on science adventure! Your little one becomes a Junior
Scientist, discovering the "secret recipe" that makes them special. We'll smash fruit and mix
goopy ingredients to pull out real DNA—the amazing instructions for life! This class is packed
with colorful art and fun games to introduce basic genetics concepts and to celebrate what
makes every kid one-of-a-kind.

DNA Discovery -- Homeschool Edition.
Ages 6+. mixed ages and all skill levels welcome.
Wed Feb 4th, 10am-11:30am
$15/pp
Explore the basics of DNA and the tools and technologies used to study it. In this class,
students will extract DNA from fruit, learn and use micropipette technique, practice loading
samples into agarose gels for experimentation, and create their own art using these skills. This
is a no experience necessary class and open to anyone excited to learn about DNA and its
application to everyday life. This class provides a fantastic opportunity to bring lab-based,
hands-on science into your homeschool curriculum.

Mini Vet School: Viral Outbreak!
Feb 21 1pm-3pm,
10max/4min,
ages 8+,
$24/pp
Emergency! A fast-moving illness is spreading through our simulated animal population. As
a member of the Mini Vet Response Team, your mission is critical: quickly and accurately test
the animals to identify those infected with the mystery virus compared to those with a normal
sickness. You'll master the art of micropipetting and run a simulated experiment to help reduce
the spread of sickness. Understand how DNA testing works, learn about its real world
applications, and stop the outbreak before it's too late! Rapid detection is the key to saving
lives!

Spring Classes/Events 2026

March 21
The Lunchbox Lab: Are We Eating GMOs? (Ages 8+)
Bring your favorite snack and we'll sequence its DNA. Students will use real molecular
biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis) to detect the presence of a
common Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) ingredient in food. This is authentic science that
broadly explores the topic of GMOs and connects directly to the food on your plate!

 

Wed, April 22, 2026
St Charles School District 303 STEM Night

Sat, April 25, 2026- National DNA DAY
The LEGO Lab: Decoding DNA with Bricks (Ages 6+)
Become a Real DNA Scientist! This exciting, hands-on workshop transforms our
classroom into a cutting-edge genetics lab using the amazing Brickopore LEGO DNA
Sequencer! We will explore the four essential "letters" of life—A, T, C, and G—and learn how
scientists use this code to better understand living things. In this lab we don't just talk about
DNA; we build it, sequence it, and decode its mysteries using the world's favorite building block.

 

Sat, May 9, 2026
The Blue Glow Lab: Engineering Bacteria to Shine (Ages 10+)
Become a Genetic Engineer! Join our hands-on lab where your mission is to introduce a new,
custom-made DNA program into harmless bacteria. This process of bacterial transformation
will give the microbes a fascinating superpower: the ability to produce a brilliant blue color! You
will learn how to handle microbes safely, master precision lab skills, and see the incredible result
of your engineering work when your bacterial colonies literally glow. Scientists use bacterial
transformation in a wide variety of laboratory, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical
applications, from the creation of medical-grade insulin to enzymes that are used in detergents.
Learn to code life and discover the power of biotechnology!