Public programs

Expedition: Bio

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About

Exchange your swimsuits for lab coats this July and August and join us for Whitehead Institute’s popular summer science program for middle school students, Expedition: Bio.

Delve into the amazing biology that thrives in the world around us during a two-week, fully immersive experience where curiosity meets real world science. And no question is off-limits!

Through hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom, interactive laboratory modules, and discussions with scientists, rising 7th and 8th grade middle school students will learn how methods from the fields of ecology, genetics, chemistry, and bioengineering are used to answer some of the most challenging questions in the life sciences today—and have an awful lot of fun doing it! 

Expedition: Bio program is supported by a generous contribution from innovative global healthcare company Sanofi. Through their varied initiatives, Sanofi's support is focused on making an impact in people’s lives by improving access to healthcare, supporting local people and communities and providing equitable STEM education opportunities.

*Registration has currently reached capacity. To be added to the waitlist contact tremblay@wi.mit.edu. Full-tuition scholarship seats are still available. To apply click here.

Schedule

Each session will cover the same content, so students should only apply for one session. Registration is limited to 24 students per session. Because space is limited, registrants are encouraged to apply early.

For more information, contact Amy Tremblay at tremblay@wi.mit.edu.

Session I

Session I:

Monday, July 8–*Friday, July 19, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m   
(*The final 
Friday session on July 19 will end by 1:00 p.m.) 

Session II

Session II:

Monday, August 12–*Friday, August 23, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m  
(*The final 
Friday session on August 23 will end by 1:00 p.m) 

FAQ
What is Expedition: Bio?

Exchange your swimsuits for lab coats this July and August and join us for Whitehead Institute’s popular summer science program for middle school students, Expedition: Bio. 

Through hands-on activities, laboratory modules and discussions with scientists, rising 7th and 8th grade middle school students will learn how methods from the fields of ecology, genetics, chemistry, and bioengineering are used to answer some of the most challenging questions in the life sciences today-and have an awful lot of fun doing it! 

What is the daily schedule?

9:00am- 2:30pm (*The final Friday will end by 1:00 p.m.)

Who can register for the workshop?

Registration is open to middle school students entering grades 7-8 in the fall and requires parental consent.   

Two two-week sessions of the same program are held during July and August. Each session typically covers the same content, so students should only apply for one session.

How many students participate in the workshop?

24 students per session are accepted into the program.

How much does the workshop cost?

Through generous program support we are pleased this year to lower the session fee to $500 per student. A non-refundable $250 deposit is due at time of registration. You may opt to pay the full amount of $500 during initial registration.

Tuition Assistance: a limited number of full-tuition scholarships are available to applicants who demonstrate financial need. 

What's provided?

Morning snack and lunch, professional science instructors, a professionally designed curriculum, field trip fees, and all lab materials necessary for a fun, educational, and memorable experience.

Registration

Registration Requirements 

  1. A signed parental consent form is required to complete registration. You will be required to upload the form to the online application.
     
  2. A registration fee of $500. A $250 non-refundable reservation fee is required upon registration.

*Registration has currently reached capacity. To be added to the waitlist contact tremblay@wi.mit.edu. Full-tuition scholarship seats are still available. To apply click here.

For more information contact Amy Tremblay at tremblay@wi.mit.edu