Course Description

Nature Unlocked is a hands-on biology course for 5th and 6th grade students designed to spark curiosity and a love for science. Through outdoor explorations, interactive lessons, and engaging lab activities, students will learn about what makes something alive, how living things interact with their environment, and how plants and animals are adapted to survive in different habitats.

Students will participate in age-appropriate labs such as a brine shrimp investigation and a chicken wing dissection, which help them better understand how organisms are suited to their environments and how scientists use evidence to study life over time.

The course also focuses on scientific literacy through a science book club, where students read a shared novel and learn about the history of vaccines and how scientific knowledge evolves as new discoveries are made.

The course concludes with a biological science research project, where students research a topic of interest, use evidence to support their ideas, and present their learning with confidence and strong communication.

Please Note: In order to ensure safety in the laboratory, all students will need to wear or bring proper attire on lab days. There will be opportunities to change before and after labs, as necessary. On those days students will need to bring specific clothing for safety (long sleeves, long pants and close toed shoes.) More details will be provided to enrolled students. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

  • Understand the scientific method and the process of inquiry in biology.
  • Discuss the mechanisms of evolution and natural selection, including the role of adaptation, speciation, and diversity.
  • Analyze the interrelationships between living organisms and their environment.
  • Effectively communicate science through written, visual, and oral methods.
  • Work independently and in groups, practice self-direction and collaboration skills.
  • Develop critical learning skills. 
  • Become familiar with safe lab behaviors and develop laboratory skills.
  • Create a Field Journal filled with their observations, notes, and projects in class.

Other Information

  • Students will be required to bring a laptop (no tablets). The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.
  • This course includes field trips off the UW Campus. We will be using public transportation.

Who Should Apply

  • Students currently in 5th or 6th grade.

Week Overview

Date Theme/Topic 
Week 1 What makes something alive?

Scientific Literacy Topic: The Scientific Method

Week 2            How do living things survive and interact in their environment?

Scientific Literacy Topic: Interpreting Experimental Data

Week 3 How do organisms change over time?

Scientific Literacy Topic: Consuming and Creating Scientific Communications

Instructors

Details

Cost

  • $1450
    • $1400 (tuition)
    • $50 (registration fee)

Time

9am - 2:30pm

Location

  • University of Washington Seattle Campus
  • Building and Room TBD

Date

  • July 6th-24th, 2026
  • Monday - Friday

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full tuition refund: April 10th
  • 50% tuition refund: April 11th-May 8th
  • No refund: after May 8th