The Lawrence Hall of Science

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

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Grades 9-12

Studying Potential Lead Ingestion in Children During Outdoor Play

As an Environmental Science Research participant, you will participate in research that investigates the impact that exposure to lead contaminated soils has on children. In this program you will design and organize a research study, use state of the art equipment to measure lead concentrations in collected soils, analyze data, calculate lead ingestion concentrations among young children exposed to contaminated soils, and write a mini manuscript. 

All sessions of Studying Potential Lead Ingestion in Children During Outdoor Play are independent and self-contained, and cover the same course material. Sessions can be repeated if desired. It is not necessary to have taken a previous session in order to enroll for another one. Participants must be in or entering grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 on the date the program begins.

For more information about this program please contact EBAYS@berkeley.edu

Students on a city sidewalk doing environmental science research.

Camp Info

Location: The Lawrence Hall of Science

Summer Session 2

Seven days
June 23–27, June 30 and July 1, 2025

Time: 1:00–5:00 p.m.

Program Tuition: $1,200

Register

 

About the Program

Most urban environments contain lead concentration levels that exceed healthy limits set by state and federal agencies.  This is largely the result of the addition of lead in consumer products including gasoline and paint prior to the 1980s.  Unfortunately, in many locations this particular additive has left a toxic legacy that puts children at risk of lead poisoning.  For example, published reports indicate that every year more than 250 children are poisoned by lead in Alameda County, many sustaining neurodevelopmental injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives.