Entering Grades 7-9

Animal Behavior and Investigations

Are you curious about how animals behave and why they do things the way they do? In this program, you’ll delve into the science of animal behavior, learning how researchers decode the motivations behind animal actions in both natural and controlled environments. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore key techniques used in the field, from behavioral observation to experimental design. You’ll also have the opportunity to conduct your own research project, applying these methods to investigate animal behavior firsthand. This is your chance to gain practical experience, develop critical research skills, and explore a dynamic field at the intersection of biology and psychology.

Parents are invited at 4 p.m. on the last day for teens to share their projects.

Program Info

Food: Lunch is provided. Teens bring a water bottle and snacks from home.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Tuition: $1,465.00
Seeking Financial Aid? Learn More >

Session 1: 06/23/2025 – 06/27/2025
Optional Residential Add-on runs Sunday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. to Friday, June 27, 5:00 p.m. Residential add-on includes additional programming, on-campus housing, breakfast, and dinner. Limited spots available!
Residential Tuition: $1,255

Session 2: 07/07/2025 – 07/11/2025
No Residential Option

Session 4: 07/21/2025 – 07/25/2025
No Residential Option

Sample Day

7:30 a.m.

Wake-up for residential teens!  Residential teens enjoy breakfast & walk together to campus

9:00 a.m.

All teens sign in with instructors
Welcome activities and icebreakers
Opening Circle- group check-in and framing the day
Explore STEM concepts and hands-on investigations in your track
Mid-morning break with teens from other tracks
Hands-on investigations and exploration cont.

11:45 a.m.

Lunch break in campus cafeteria Social time with teens from other tracks

12:45 p.m.

Continued investigations and explorations in your track
Various lab tours and guest speakers
Afternoon break with teens from other tracks
Closing Circle- reflection prompts and preview of what’s ahead

 4:00 p.m.

College Pathways Programming
Campus or other tours 
Meet and talk to current college students 
Meet and talk to professionals from a range of STEM career fields

 5:00 p.m.

Commuter teens sign out with instructors
Residential teens walk together to dorms and enjoy some well deserved downtime 

 6:30 p.m.

Dinner
Evening program 
Free time

10:00 p.m.

Lights Out!

Activity Highlights

  • Wildlife observations
  • Birds of prey explorations
  • Design and conduct your own investigation
  • Tour a research lab
  • Meet and mix with teens across other STEM tracks
  • Meet and talk to students and STEM career professionals
  • Project presentations and certificates