Science Alliance

How have migration and adaptation shaped our genetic makeup, and why do we see genetic variation between populations? This course will introduce students to the unseen parts of biology and evolution. We will explore how scientists visualize DNA, evolutionary relationships between species, and the various mechanisms of evolution.

Fridays: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16

Registration Closed 

Cost: $1,000

Registration Closed

Over the past few decades, observations from space exploration missions have allowed scientists to determine that planetary bodies within our solar system contain vast reservoirs of water. These “ocean worlds” may be the best future targets for exploring whether life exists beyond Earth. In this course, students will take a deep dive into the dynamic physical processes of Earth’s oceans, the unique organisms that have adapted to ocean environments, and the tools and technologies used to explore  ocean depths. We will then look toward the skies to see what is known about our solar system’s other ocean worlds, culminating with a challenge to design a future mission to explore them.

Thursdays: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15

Registration Closed 

Cost: $1,000

Registration Closed

Explore the diversity of our microbial planet: the bacteria, protists, and viruses that are all around us, in us, and on us. Students will build a Winogradsky column in Central Park to observe how microbes interact with soil, swab various halls in the American Museum of Natural History to explore the microbes living on our exhibits, culture bacteria in the classroom, learn how to make a simple stain and a Gram stain for analyzing bacteria under the microscope, analyze the health benefits of various microbes in the human microbiome, and explore some of the consequences of the overuse of antibiotics.

Thursdays: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15

Registration Closed 

Cost: $1,000

Registration Closed

Humans have gazed into the sky for centuries and wondered how our lives are connected to the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars that dot our night view. Through the science of astronomy, we have uncovered not just connections to our own lives, but to the universe at large. This class is designed as an introductory step into astronomy. We will survey the history, scale, and motions of the universe and learn about the ways that humans continue to gain a coherent picture of the cosmos. Along the way, we will also explore how Museum astronomers carry out their observations and other work to make new discoveries.

Fridays: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16

Registration Closed 

Cost: $1,000

Registration Closed

Join the Science Alliance Summer Science Academy and enjoy weeks of science exploration at the American Museum of Natural History. Each week students will engage in a new theme covering a range of scientific topics, including evolution, ecology, anthropology, astronomy, and Earth and planetary sciences.  Students will explore the unique places where science happens by visiting the Museum’s collections and labs and meeting scientists. This academy will nurture students’ innate curiosity while allowing them to generate new questions about the natural world. 

Program Dates: Monday, July 10–Friday, August 18  

Program Time: 9 am–4 pm Monday–Friday

Program Cost: $6,000

Click Here to Purchase

Registration Open