Engineering Biology with Polymers (Grades 9-12)

ÌýÌýFrequently Asked QuestionsÌý

June 23-27Ìý(Online registration closes June 13. Call 303-492-7188 to register after this date.)
9:30am-3pm
$650
Location: Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building (JSCBB)

Ever wondered how scientists can create new tissues, deliver life-saving drugs, or even use tiny enzymes to clean up pollution? It's all thanks to the amazing world of polymers! Polymers are long chains of repeating molecules, kind of like the beads on a candy necklace. In this hands-on experience, you will discover how polymers are being used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Learn how polymers are being used to carry medicine directly to where it’s needed in the body. Create polymer scaffolds that support tissue healing and re-growth. Attach tiny enzymes (nature’s catalysts) to polymers to create micro-factories that help us make medicines, fuel, and even food in a sustainable manner. Get ready to experiment with all this technology in a university lab. You'll even get to try scaling up production in bioreactors, just like scientists do in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Plus, you'll hear from real-world chemical and biological engineers about careers in this exciting field.

What to Bring:ÌýWhile at Science Discovery, participants are expected to store their personal belongings in their backpack. Space is limited so please limit the number of personal items brought from home. All items should be labeled with the participant’s first and last name in case an item is misplaced.ÌýPlease send your child with the following each day:

  • A backpack (sized to fit your child) for carrying personal items and any camp materials they will be bringing home
  • Filled water bottle(s)
  • 1-2 snacks (or more), depending on the child's needs
  • A sack lunch that does not require refrigeration
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • A hair tie to hold back lengthy hair, if applicable
  • All camps spend a portion of each day outside. Please send your child with clothing appropriate for the daily forecasted weather (jacket, sweatshirt,Ìýrain poncho, etc.)
  • Optional: A mask or any additional Personal Protective Equipment the child wishes to utilize

Grade Policy:ÌýCU Science Discovery serves students in grades K-12. Careful consideration is used to determine grade levels for all camps and classes. To provide the highest quality experience for all participants, it is necessary to adhere to the specified grade range for all camps and classes.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy:ÌýScience Discovery has designed its cancellation policy to minimize the number of camp and classÌýspots that are unused due to last-minute cancellations. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee. NoÌýrefunds will be given for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the camp/class. In the event that a camp/classÌýis cancelled by Science Discovery, registrants will receive a full refund.ÌýTransfer requests made up to 30 days prior to the start of a camp/class will incur a $15ÌýadministrativeÌýfee. Transfer requests made within 30Ìýdays of the the start of a camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee.

CU Â鶹ӰԺ employs a framework for public health andÌýCOVID-19 decision-makingÌýthat follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. While masks areÌýoptional on the CU Â鶹ӰԺ campus, we encourage those who prefer to do so to continue wearing them.ÌýProperly fitted N95 or KN95 masks remain an effective tool for preventing transmission, especially in conjunction with vaccination. Students, parents and staff are encouragedÌýto stay home if they are feeling sick or haveÌýCOVID-like symptoms.

Feeling under the weather? You should begin isolation at home as soon as you:

  • Begin to experienceÌý.
  • Receive a positive test result for COVID-19, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
  • Have been instructed to isolate by a healthcare provider or public health staff member.

When considering policy changes around COVID-19 transmission prevention, CU Science Discovery will adhere to all campus, county and Public Health guidelines.Ìý(Updated JanuaryÌý2024)