CARMA Educator Camp: How to Build Artificial DNA
Jun
30
2026
About the Workshop
CARMA Camp invites 3rd–12th Grade Educators to participate in a one-day, in-person professional development experience led by faculty from UT Austin and Princeton University.
This immersive camp is designed to equip educators with cutting-edge tools, foundational knowledge and a hands-on classroom activity focused on self-replicating and self-healing materials. Grounded in chemistry and the biosciences, the experience will spark new ways to engage students in advanced scientific concepts, and may even change how you think about life in space! Applications are open until May 11.
- New fun ways to teach and explore science in your classroom
- Resources for a ready-to-go activity on the subject to incorporate into your existing curriculum
- Discussion points about how self-replicating materials can transform society
Event Details
- June 30, 2026 on the UT Austin main campus, 9 am-3:30 pm
- A parking permit and lunch are provided
- Participants receive a $100 stipend
- Housing and travel not provided
For more information, contact Risa Hartman at rhartman@che.utexas.edu.
Educator Feedback
"This session reminded me of what I know, knowledge I have that I haven't used in years, plus it pushed me to think about the future possibilities in science with raw technologies. It inspired me to go back to my classroom and motivate students to push their thinking."
“Getting to talk to scientists was invaluable for me as a high school teacher.”
"I am always intrigued and leave with even more questions than I entered with - in the best way! It stimulated my mind to be surrounded by such great minds! Being the student, switching roles from teacher, stimulated my thinking in ways that I long for!"
"It made me make connections between Biology and Physics."
"This is where most of my professional growth happens- subject specific, adult level. I can translate this into classroom learning.”
Location
The University of Texas at Austin