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Summer Science Lab

A Williams student showing an elementary school student how to transfer liquids between beakersA Williams student demonstrates a science experiment to 3 elementary students.

The Williams College Summer Science Lab is a fantastic science experience for children in 5th or 6th grade in the 2021-2022 school year and proof of covid vaccine is required. Two lab weeks are offered in July. Students in groups of four will experiment with various substances in Williams College laboratories. Williams College students will guide each lab group in investigating multiple chemical reactions relating to solids, liquids, and gasses. Monday – Thursday afternoons, Emeriti Professors David Richardson and Charles Lovett will present chemical mysteries to the young scientists. The following morning, the professors will explain, through demonstrations and experiments, the chemistry behind those mysteries.

Here are two articles about Summer Science Lab in the local media:

Elementary School Science Camp Held at Williams College
– iberkshires.com, July 16, 2018

Williams College Summer Science Lab offers ‘wow’ factor
– The Berkshire Eagle, July 19, 2016

2022 Dates & Registration Details

We are planning for the return of Summer Science Lab in summer 2022, after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. Updated details about the 2022 summer session are below. Online registration is now open! (posted March 17, 2022).

Summer Science Lab Week 1, July 11-15, 2022 has reached capacity and is closed for registration as of April 28, 2022.  If you wish to be put on a waiting list for Week 1, please complete this waiting list form.

There is still space available for Week 2, July 18-22, 2022.

For 2022, these week-long labs will run Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 11th-15th and July 18th-22nd, 2022.

Both sessions will cover similar content, although we strive to tailor each week to the interests and abilities of the children. We invite registrations for any child enrolled in 5th or 6th grade for the 2021-2022 academic year and proof of covid vaccine is required. Summer Science Lab will only be available to students in 5th or 6th grade in the 2021-2022 school year, as two years of cancellations have not allowed this group the opportunity to participate.

The cost of the 2022 program is $225 for early-bird registration by May 1, 2022, and $250 for registration after May 1, 2022. Payment is due in full upon registration. Scholarships are available by checking the appropriate box on the online registration form. 

Cancellation Policy: For all cancellations, $50 of the program registration fee is non-refundable. The remainder of the fee is refundable if another student fills the spot within seven (7) days.

Summer Science Lab will follow the protocols set forth by Williams College regarding masking and social distancing in place on campus in July. Williams College requires proof of covid vaccination for attendance.  Sorry, we are unable to accommodate vaccine waivers.

We are excited to offer again bus transportation provided by Dufour to Summer Science Lab this year for $50 per week. The Director will plan stops for Pittsfield, Lanesborough, Cheshire/Adams, and North Adams. All bus fees are required to be paid in advance, along with the program registration fee. Please check the appropriate box on the online registration form if interested in bus transportation.

Please note that Summer Science Lab fills up quickly, so early registration is advised! Registrations are processed in order of receipt of all required materials (online form, full payment, Science Lab Waiver, Lab Safety Form, proof of covid vaccine). Space in the Summer Science Lab is confirmed when all materials are received.

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday Pot Luck & Presentations: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Registrations are processed in order of receipt of all materials:

**Paper checks should be made out to “Williams College“.   Please include SSL and child’s surname in the memo line.  Mail to the address below.

Return completed forms to Summer Science Lab c/o Center for Learning in Action, Brooks House, 983 Main Street, Williamstown, MA 01267 or email to [email protected].

Please email [email protected] with any questions.