field trips to the allen institute
Each field trip is a dynamic, interactive experience.
Programs typically include 2–3 of the following elements, tailored to the group’s interests and age range:
- Guided building tour
- Laboratory tour (ages 18+)
- Presentation from an Allen Institute scientist
- Hands‑on or digital science activity
- Overview of early‑career opportunities and internships
plan your visit
fall visits
spring visits
summer visits
**If your preferred dates span two windows, apply during the earlier window.
If deadlines pose a barrier to participation, please contact education@alleninstitute.org.
visit logistics at a glance
tour length
transportation
accessibility
group size
dress code
lunch
designed to inspire curiosity
Field trips often include engaging lab‑based or digital activities that introduce students to real research questions and tools. These experiences help students see science as something they can actively participate in — not just study from afar.
RNA and Alzheimer’s Disease
resource type/ activity
estimated time/ 3 hours and 15 minutes
educational level/ grades 9-12
tags/cell biology, neuroscience
In this lab, students learn how scientists at the Allen Institute study RNA in order to better understand Alzheimer’s Disease. Students walk through a hands-on lab protocol where they are able to watch the steps of protein synthesis take place in real time through observing fluorescent samples. The lesson concludes with a dry lab activity where students compare the gene expression of neurons from brain donors with and without Alzheimer’s Disease.
This activity includes a protocol developed by miniPCRbio.
Chop and Glow
resource type/ activity
estimated time/ 3 hours and 30 minutes
educational level/ grades 10-12
tags/cell biology
In this lab, students learn how and why scientists at the Allen Institute use CRISPR/Cas9 to generate populations of cells with fluorescent organelles and cell structures. Students walk through a hands-on lab protocol where they use the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery to cut or “chop” DNA samples. Students analyze their samples by using gel electrophoresis and observe how real populations of cells from the Allen Institute “glow” under fluorescent microscopes.
This activity includes a protocol developed by miniPCRbio.
Spying on neurons
resource type/ activity
estimated time/ 2 hours and 30 minutes
educational level/ grades 9-12
tags/ neuroscience
In this lab, students learn how scientists at the Allen Institute study RNA in order to better understand Alzheimer’s Disease. Students walk through a hands-on lab protocol where they are able to watch the steps ofprotein synthesistake place in real time through observing fluorescent samples. The lesson concludes with a dry lab activity where students compare thegene expressionof neurons from brain donors with and withoutAlzheimer’s Disease.
This activity includes a protocol developed by miniPCRbio.
College Field Trip
resource type/ college tours
Do you work with students studying neuroscience, immunology, or cell biology? Bring your students to learn more about the Allen Institute through a customizable trip option that combines a building tour, careers panel, and lab tour or activity. You will be able to select the tour components most applicable to your group on your application.
Welcome to apply
- Community College
- 4-year college
- Graduate Students
