Summer Science Institute at Carleton College 2026

Students at Carleton College’s Summer Science Institute not only study about science, but they also “practice science!” The three-week program, guided by Carleton faculty and students, includes a fun and educational hands-on component in which students plan a joint research project, collect data, execute experiments, and present their findings at the Institute’s final research symposium.

Given the complex difficulties that our planet faces, it is evident that future problem solvers will need to rely on tools from a number of STEM and non-STEM domains. While each STEM profession has its unique set of methodologies and procedures, they all have a common emphasis on hands-on discovery, problem solving, and communication. Building STEM Connections will provide participants with the chance to work on fascinating and unique topics in the physical and biological sciences within the setting of the liberal arts.

Students will gain inquiry, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills as they pursue Genetics, Animal Behavior, and Geology courses. Each course will incorporate hands-on research in which students will collaborate in small groups to investigate fresh problems under the supervision of college faculty and supervised by undergraduate teaching assistants, utilizing Carleton’s superb research facilities and instruments. Students will also reflect on their work in the context of larger social issues and their own unique experiences, as well as practice both written and spoken communication of their scientific discoveries and thoughts. The program will conclude with a symposium in which students will share their work with one another and the larger community.

Summer Carls can earn up to six Carleton course credits (usually three semester credits) by satisfying faculty objectives and fulfilling course prerequisites. In addition to written comments from professors on course performance, students will get one of three potential grade designations: satisfactory (S), credit (Cr), or no credit (NC). Summer Carl graduates can seek formal academic transcripts, which will include the name of the course and the grade achieved.

Where: Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Science
How Much: $3,895 (includes tuition, all materials, room & board, activities and excursions)