Homeschool Course: Intro to Genetics by Discover Science Center in Alpharetta, GA

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Overview

INTRO TO GENETICS

Thursdays, January 26-April 27 (no class Feb 23, Apr 6; 12 weeks)

11:15am-12:45pm

Ages 11-14

Students learn the basics of genetics and inheritance, including DNA structure and function, cellular processes involving DNA, how DNA influences physical traits of individuals, and why genetic diversity is important in populations. All lab costs are included in registration fee.

Instructor: Q Collins, BSc

Location: STEM Lab (suite 21)

Course fee: $275 OR $25/lab

10% sibling discount

WEEK 1: Intro to Genetics and DNA - Thursday, January 26

We start the semester with an introduction to DNA, examine its structure and function, and create models of DNA strands.

WEEK 2: DNA Analysis - Thursday, February 2

We discuss the process and challenges of DNA analysis, extract DNA from an octoploid organism, and extract DNA from our own cells.

WEEK 3: Directionality and Replication - Thursday, February 9

This week we create a DNA map to investigate the importance of directionality, study the process of DNA replication, model DNA synthesis of leading and lagging strands, and learn how mutations can be incorporated into new DNA.

WEEK 4: Mutation - Thursday, February 16

Today’s lab focuses on the different types of mutations, how and why they happen, and their effects on organisms and populations.

WEEK 5: Codons and Translation - Thursday, March 2

We study how the genetic code is translated into amino acid sequences and how sequence differences result in different alleles.

WEEK 6: Mitosis - Thursday, March 9

Students learn about the cell cycle, when DNA replication takes place, and the process of mitosis. We use microscopy to see the stages of mitosis up close.

WEEK 7: Meiosis - Thursday, March 16

We learn the differences between meiosis and mitosis, model the process of meiosis, and use dog breeding to understand the differences and explore how meiosis affects heredity.

WEEK 8: Genotypes and Phenotypes - Thursday, March 23

This week, we learn how an organism’s genetics influence its physical traits and how natural selection acts on individuals’ phenotypes.

WEEK 9: Laws of Inheritance - Thursday, March 30

Students learn about Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance, work with monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, and analyze phenotypic data to learn how alleles are passed from generation to generation.

WEEK 10: Genetic Modification - Thursday, April 13

In this lab, we focus on gene-editing techniques, including CRISPR, and discuss the ethics of modifying genes.

WEEK 11: Population Genetics - Thursday, April 20

We investigate factors that influence the frequency of alleles in a population, and why new populations have low genetic diversity.

WEEK 12: Conservation Genetics - Thursday, April 27

Students learn the importance of genetic diversity in species, and how scientists work to increase the genetic variation within endangered species.

Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATION POLICY

We are now charged by our registration processor for all activities cancelled by a parent. Therefore, we have had to implement a processing fee for all cancellations (see below). Alternatively, a credit can be issued for the full amount of the activity and be used toward a future program within one year. Refunds or credits will NOT be provided without 24 hours prior notice or for no-shows (72 hours for multi-day camps, 1 week for after-school programs).

Please email info@discoversciencecenter.com or call 770 641-9336 to cancel your registration.

INDIVIDUAL LABS/WORKSHOPS:

Homeschool labs, Scout workshops, Parents' Night Out

Refunds will be issued, minus a $5 processing fee for each workshop, up to 24 hours before the workshop begins. Alternatively, a full credit will be issued up to 24 hours before the workshop begins.

No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellation less than 24 hours before the start of camp, early withdraw, scheduling conflicts, illness, or behavioral dismissal.

MULTI-WEEK COURSES:

Homeschool courses

Refunds will be issued, minus a $20 processing fee for each course, up to 24 hours before the program begins. Alternatively, a full credit will be issued up to 24 hours before the course begins.

No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellation less than 24 hours before the start of camp, early withdraw, scheduling conflicts, illness, or behavioral dismissal.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

Refunds will be issued, minus a $20 processing fee, up to one week before the program begins. Alternatively, a full credit will be issued up to 24 hours before the after-school program begins.

No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellation less than one week before the start of the program, early withdraw, scheduling conflicts, illness, or behavioral dismissal. No refunds will be issued in the event the school cancels school or after-school activities due to weather or other circumstances – the missed class will be rescheduled or a credit will be issued.

DAY CAMPS:

Refunds will be issued, minus a $10 processing fee for each course, up to 24 hours before the program begins. Alternatively, a full credit will be issued up to 24 hours before the day camp begins.

No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellation less than 24 hours before the start of camp, early withdraw, scheduling conflicts, illness, or behavioral dismissal.

MULTI-DAY CAMPS:

Summer Camp, Winter and Spring Break Camps

Refunds will be issued, minus a $20 processing fee for each course, up to 72 hours before the program begins. Alternatively, a full credit will be issued up to 72 hours before camp begins.

No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellation less than 72 hours before the start of camp, early withdraw, scheduling conflicts, illness, or behavioral dismissal.

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Reviews

4.7 (458)

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(SUMMER CAMP: OCEAN SCIENCE)

July 22, 2025 - Becca Howie

Verified Purchase

Wonderful program, we also really love the after school program, and this was the first time we’ve done the summer camp. Our kiddo loved Ocean Science! My only issue is the start time at 8:30 (vs 8:00 for others we do) makes it really hard to do this.

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Discover Science Center

July 22, 2025

Dear Ms.Howie,
I'm so glad that your kid had a blast! I understand that the 8:30 start time can be difficult to navigate, and we are sorry for the inconvenience.

(SUMMER CAMP: OCEAN SCIENCE)

July 13, 2025 - Norma Christine minvielle turquie

Verified Purchase

Great experience and kids love it! The staff is so caring and lovely.

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Discover Science Center

July 15, 2025

Ms. Minvielle,
Thank you so much for the kind words. We've really enjoyed the opportunity to teach your sweet kids over the last couple of weeks!

(SUMMER CAMP: ROCKS & DINOSAURS CAMP)

June 11, 2025 - Matthew Kettleman

Verified Purchase

Would recommend! Lots of activities and learning packed into 5 days! My son especially enjoyed geode smashing and building a dinosaur habitat.

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Discover Science Center

June 26, 2025

Mr.Kettleman,
Thank you so for letting us teach your son at camp, I'm glad he had a blast!

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Questions & Answers

Help pls we totally missed the time I thought It was at 3pm! Pls help any way that we can get the video to still do it pls

asked on Apr 05, 2020

Apr 06, 2020 - Tonya Shearer

Verified Purchase

So sorry you missed the workshop. Your registration is being refunded. Unfortunately, to protect the privacy of the students that were recorded during the meeting, we can not distribute the recorded meetings. Hope to see you in a different workshop! -

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Can adult attend session with shy youngster in younger groups?

asked on Jan 24, 2020

Jan 24, 2020 - Tonya Shearer

Verified Purchase

Hi Deborah, Thanks for your message. It depends on which program you are inquiring about. Our Young Explorers classes (3-5 year olds) require parent participation during class. Parents sometimes stay for the first week of homeschool classes, and during Girl Scout workshops as well. Parents do not stay for after-school programs, Parents' Night Out or our camps. Hopefully, I covered the program you are interested in. If not, please let me know so I can clarify. Thanks for your interest, Tonya -

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About Discover Science Center

Discover Science Center is an informal science education enrichment lab whose purpose is to supplement the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and…

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