Foldit!: Protein, DNA and Origami of life When: Who: Camp runs for one week starting from July 7- Incoming 9th-12th graders August 11; 9AM- 3PM; (M-F) Where: Monday-Thursday: Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science Engineering, UW Friday: CSNE at 1414 NE 42nd St.; Suite 204; Seattle, WA 98105 What: "FoldIt: Proteins, DNA, and the Origami of Life" is an exciting summer camp where students will explore and learn the science behind the online video game ‘Foldit.’ ‘Foldit’ is an experimental research project developed by UW Center for Game Science and UW Department of Biochemistry which enlists the expertise of online gamers to help scientists solve various relevant “real world” problems. The goal of the game is to fold the proteins in the best way possible. The highest scoring solutions are analyzed by scientists, which can then be applied to the relevant proteins. Through a flexible activity structure, students will participate in collaborative game play and engage in activities that illuminate the connections among bioinformatics, molecular biology, and computer science through the framework of participatory citizen science. Campers will deepen their understanding of protein structure and functioning, as well as key concepts in the life sciences and the ethics of science. Additionally, campers will have an opportunity to network with visiting experts and work with bioinformatics tools like Pymol and Rosetta. Finally, campers will work on a culminating project based on self-chosen interests and compete in a culminating puzzle challenge. As a part of this camp students will tour Center for Sensorimotor and Neuroscience. One of the most exciting experiences for the campers will be playing with the device developed by CSNE students called WrestleBrainia 3000, which harnesses the activation energy in the muscles to power robots to compete. Participants get direct visual feedback about their muscle firing patterns and learn basic concepts about the nervous system and neural engineering. How fun it is to play Wrestlebrania3000 Students at the 2014 Brain Awareness Week event EMG arm-wrestling game trying out gesture recognition camera game Photo Courtesy: CSNE Other experiences might include: • Donning an Emotiv EPOC head set which uses 14 sensors and 2 references to detect electrical signals produced by the brain to control a computer icon using only their thoughts; • Wearing a NeuroSky MindWave headset with biosensors that measures brain and motor signals; • Using CREATIVE gesture recognition camera that allows users to play a video game by manipulating their hand in front of the camera and complementary software programs. .