Go behind the scenes of leading science & technology research labs and institutes at Science Rendezvous, a multi-destination science festival taking place on Saturday, May 8, 2010 throughout Greater Toronto. A premier destination, Mount Sinai Hospital and its Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute will offer several family-friendly interactive experiences, including:

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS (20 min, suitable for all ages)

11am – 4pm
Sign-up in the Mount Sinai Hospital foyer (main floor)

DIY DNA

Have you ever wondered what DNA looks like? Extract DNA from a banana – and take home a sample! Fun for the whole family.

Understand Your Genetic Tree and Make DNA Art

Learn how to make a genetic tree using your very own family tree. Add features about yourself to see how genetic traits are passed along in your family.  Using the methods from geneticists, find out how DNA is used to map your genealogy.

Make your very own DNA art using gel electrophoresis and imaging tools. These tools have allowed scientists to greatly understand genes and how they can cause disease and cancer. See how scientists make different sized pieces of DNA in the lab and view the products. Separate DNA fragments by size, learn how to image the results and take home the picture!

Mutant Analysis

Can you tell what a mutant looks like?? Come and test your powers of observation in this 20 minute workshop. You will get a chance to examine mutant worms and flies based on their observable characteristics or phenotypes. You can also test yourself and try to relate the phenotypes to human disorders.

Brain Games

Test your senses and discover how they work together to help you sense the world around you. Interactive activities to test your reflexes, taste buds, depth perception and more!

ENGAGING DISPLAYS AND PRESENTATIONS

11am – 4pm
Mount Sinai Hospital foyer (main floor), Cafeteria (2nd floor) and 4th floor foyer

• Make models of DNA using licorice and marshmallows!
• Check out glow-in-the-dark c. elegans (worms) under the microscope
• Test your genetics knowledge with a DNA quiz
• Learn how to pipette and transfer DNA just like a scientist
• See beating cardiac muscle cells under the microscope
• Meet real researchers and learn about their work in diabetes, stem cell research and genetic medicine.

LUNENFELD LAB TOURS

11am – 4pm
Sign-up in the Mount Sinai Hospital foyer (main floor)

• Visit Lunenfeld labs with the researchers who work there. Find out what goes into making a discovery and how our researchers are advancing the health of all Canadians.
• Tours are 20 minutes and suitable for all ages.

Mount Sinai is Located at 600 University Avenue (between Queen’s Park and St. Patrick’s subway stations).

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