Eighth Graders Collect Ant Specimens for DNA Study

Eighth graders walked over to Central Park recently to collect ants for their study of the evolution of the species, their behavior, and biodiversity. In January, in partnership with scientists from the Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center (DNALC), the boys will go through lab procedures to isolate and sequence their ant’s DNA and determine its species. They will use this data to build a more complete understanding of the biodiversity of ants in our neighborhood park.

Saint David's collaboration with the DNALC blends precision, curiosity, and discovery. Just as important, it introduces boys to the ethical dimensions of science and the power of close observation—lessons that extend well beyond the microscope.