The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Animal Discovery Zone 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
We’ll bring our science programs to you.
We partner with school districts to support science learning. We offer district-wide elementary, middle, and high school programs, either virtually or in-person.
We collaborate with a range of partners to innovate in science education. Together, we go further.
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Can’t wait for summer? Join us for this weekend series during the school year! Teen Research Programs offer top-tier, immersive science education with The Lawrence at U.C. Berkeley! Each program is uniquely crafted to equip your teen with a profound understanding of science and tangible experiences to enrich their STEM journey significantly. Join our Teen Research Programs that are not only informative—but transformative.
What tools and techniques do doctors use to diagnose and treat illnesses? Scientists have developed all sorts of innovations to help people with chronic diseases and other conditions. In this program, you will deepen your knowledge of body systems, investigate how some of these systems may break down, and explore how scientists and engineers are working to solve these problems. Together we will use actual diagnostic techniques to solve medical mysteries for fictitious patients. We will dissect a sheep heart, journey inside blood vessels and cells in our Planetarium, and interview practicing doctors to learn more about the field.
Parents are invited at 4 p.m. on the last day for teens to share their projects.
Workshop 1: Saturday, February 28, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at The Lawrence
Workshop 2: Saturday, March 7, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at The Lawrence
Workshop 3: Saturday, March 14, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at The Lawrence
Workshop 4: Saturday, March 21, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at The Lawrence
Cost: $800.00
All teens sign in with instructors
Welcome activities and icebreakers
Opening Circle- group check-in and framing the day
Explore STEM concepts and conduct hands-on investigations
Social breaktime with free time in the science center (BYO snacks & water bottle)
Continued investigations and explorations
Closing Circle- reflection and preview of what’s ahead
All teens sign out with instructors
Weekend Series Registration open to Members
Weekend Series Financial Aid application open
Weekend Series Registration open to the Public
Last day to submit Weekend Series Financial Aid application
Last day to register
We are committed to offering high quality, hands-on STEM learning for all. Many of the costs to run these programs have increased over the past two years. We have worked diligently to reduce costs wherever possible without compromising the quality of programming. If your family is able, we ask that you register and pay the full price, leaving financial aid options for families in need.
The Lawrence Hall of Science is part of the University of California, Berkeley. The Lawrence financial aid awards center on equity—removing barriers, enhancing opportunities, and broadening participation in science for teens throughout California. In our continued effort to make these learning experiences available to more families, we are offering Weekend Series financial aid awards at three levels- 15%, 45% and 90% off of the full price listed on the website. Please submit your level of award request based on your family situation.
Weekend Series Financial Aid applications must be completed by a parent/legal guardian.
Weekend Series Financial Aid applications for the Weekend Series must be submitted by Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
The Financial Aid committee will review applications within each aid amount level requested. Prioritization is based on 1) residence in the state of California, 2) family’s financial need, 3) if a teen will potentially be in the first generation to attend or complete college, and 4) if a teen has limited access to STEM experiences and mentors outside of school. Award decisions and registration instructions for the Weekend Series will be communicated beginning Friday, January 9, 2026.
“It was a great program that sparked intellectual curiosity and new friendships and demystified the college experience. Growth for my teen in so many dimensions!”
Teen Research Program Parent
“What could be better: your teen growing academically and socially, with a highly driven peer group, and having the time of their life? Worth every penny and more!”
“It was an amazing experience! The exposure to the scientific method, application, presenting skills, and new friendships were forged.”
“My daughter had so much fun meeting fellow teens who shared her interest in science! This was a great experience for her and has only increased her interest in future STEM possibilities!”
“As a parent, I loved participating and listening to the project presentations. The teamwork, instruction from staff, hard work and creativity of all, came through.”
“The program did a great job being neurodivergent-friendly without being neurodivergent-only… [Our daughter could] hang out with both neurodivergent and neurotypical peers without many special accommodations… She spends a lot of her life not feeling like she quite fits in with the other kids, and here she did.”
“I loved this program and was excited to go to it every single day! To be honest, this will probably be one of my most memorable experiences in STEM and in general.”
Teen Research Program Participant
“I loved asking questions and hearing about different people’s experiences in college or STEM careers.”
“I loved seeing the people teaching us about STEM. They’re all really fun, which shows that STEM doesn’t have to be all work or frustration with errors. That STEM is also about having fun with people who share your interests and want to work with you.”
“I really liked the dissections we did, as well as being able to observe and touch real human organs. The trip to the neuroscience lab was a real treat, and I enjoyed it immensely.”
“Finding areas of STEM during the camp that I found interesting that I wouldn’t have before made me feel like there could be a chance of me pursuing a STEM career.”
All Weekend Series programs take place at The Lawrence.
We do not provide transportation to and from The Lawrence. There is a pay by the hour parking lot adjacent, or you can take public transportation. The UC Berkeley shuttle does not run on weekends.
All weekend series workshops take place from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. These times are also the designated drop-off and pick-up times; please stick to them. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently with the conclusion of programming.
The drop-off and pick-up location will be at the front entrance of The Lawrence. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently with the conclusion of programming.
Yes, so long as a parent has approved it! We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently with the conclusion of programming. They must still make direct eye contact and sign out with their instructors at the conclusion of programming. If you did not sign this waiver at the time of registration or cannot recall, please email the registration office and indicate your request for self dismissal in writing, stating- your name, child’s name, and the registered program.
Yes, you can pick up your teen early or drop them off late if needed. Please let us know as far in advance as possible by emailing, stating- your name, child’s name, the registered program, and the request. If you have day-of needs you can text us at a number we provide in the welcome letter. Please note that, depending on the timing, teens might be located at a range of places on site. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently. If you did not sign this waiver at the time of registration or cannot recall, please email the registration office and indicate your request for self dismissal in writing, stating- your name, child’s name, and the registered program.
We all have busy schedules, and if your teen misses a workshop we do our best to catch them up. Also, they will have the opportunity to work in small groups throughout the project phase. This offers an additional method to catch up through their peers. Please double check the posted schedule ahead of registering.
Teens are supervised at all times from sign-in to sign-out. The staff to teen ratio is at least 1:12 during classroom instruction. Free time is always in designated areas with staff. Staff includes adult professionals, graduate students, and undergraduate students. All staff go through a background check and participate in specialized educational, logistical, and safety training. Other Lawrence professionals are onsite and provide educational as well as behavioral support for instructors and participants as needed.
No meals or food are provided. Please pack snacks and a water bottle for each weekend workshop.
Yes, all teens should pack a personal snack for the day and water bottle. For the safety of others, we ask that you not include any food containing tree nuts or peanuts. No outside equipment is necessary for this program. The Lawrence is not responsible for your personal items.
Phones, tablets, and other similar devices should be stowed in your bag during program times. Phones and other devices are permitted during breaks and other designated times. The program is designed to increase socialization, collaboration, and small-group work. We strongly encourage you to leave valuables and other devices at home. Remember, The Lawrence is not responsible for your personal items.
Laptops are not required for this program. If a computer is necessary for a program activity, The Lawrence will provide one.
No, for multiple reasons, we do not allow participants to register for programs designed for grade levels other than their own. Since a large portion of each program involves student-driven investigation and exploration, e.g., making observations or carrying out an investigation, participants can easily differentiate the challenge level to a just-right place for them. Thank you for understanding.
All teens will receive a personalized certificate of completion from UC Berkeley on the last day of the program.
We use CampDoc (also known as DocNetwork), an electronic health record system, to collect participants’ information securely. CampDoc is designed to protect your teen’s privacy while alerting us to details such as allergies or dietary restrictions, medical or medication needs, special learning or social needs, and other home or life situations that might affect your teen’s participation. The information you provide will help us to support your teen safely and to optimize their learning and social experience. We encourage parents to be as transparent as possible. If you would like to discuss your teen’s needs before the program, we would be happy to set up a conversation to discuss how we can best support them. You can email us at thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu
If you still have any other programming-related questions, such as schedule, staffing, content, or your teen, please email thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu. If you are unsure of the exact nature of your inquiry then cc: lhsreg@berkeley.edu in your email.
If you still have any other registration-related questions, such as refunds, cancellations, teen self-dismissal forms, or transfers, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu. If you are unsure of the exact nature of your inquiry then cc: thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu in your email.
Due to the limited availability of spots, registration is non-refundable. If the program needs to be canceled by The Lawrence Hall of Science you will be notified at least five days before the starting date, and your registration fee will be fully refunded. Programs are not transferable to another participant or another season.
We eliminated discounts to Members; instead, Members now receive priority registration for the programs and dates they desire ahead of the general public. To purchase or renew a membership, please go here. If you have questions regarding membership, please email us at thelawrencemembers@berkeley.edu.
No, we do not offer discounts for multiple children or multiple programs.
The University has identified all our programs’ costs as educational, not child care. Educational programs fall into the category “Educational, learning or study skills services” and are not considered FSA reimbursable expenses. Any decision to submit these costs for child-dependent care should be made in consultation with your accountant or employer.
Covid proof of vaccination is no longer required, but California still requires all other immunizations. The Lawrence does not issue refunds for COVID-related absences. We will post updates regarding COVID-19 restrictions if conditions change.
You must submit your application by Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. You must indicate the level of award you are requesting- 15%, 45% or 90% off the posted price. Unfortunately, applications that do not meet all of the parameters will not be considered.
You must be the parent or legal guardian to complete the application, not the teen participant. Applications that do not meet all of the parameters will not be considered.
You must complete a separate application for each teen participant and we do not guarantee sibling awards. Unfortunately, applications that do not meet all of the parameters will not be considered.
We do not guarantee sibling awards and you must complete a separate application for each teen participant.
We cannot guarantee financial aid ahead of the financial aid process. If you have the means and wish to secure a seat in the program and for the dates of your preference, you should purchase the program of your choice through the normal registration process.