by Stephanie Joynes

Created on: May 05, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

Boston is well known for its New England clam chowder, the Red Sox, and its old colonial charm. But for a young budding scientist, it can be a life changing experience they can look back on when accepting the Nobel Peace Prize.

Schools such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have fantastic programs that are looking into the future. Start your family's summer vacation walking around the country's premier educational facilities at MIT. The best way to learn about what is going on campus is by taking one of the regularly scheduled student-led campus tours that are conducted Monday through Friday at 11AM and at 3PM. Talk to your student guide and you'll hear firsthand what he or she is studying and how it is changing the world. You can find more information at http://mit.edu/. MIT is at the forefront of creating new technology to help solve today's problems, including developing robotics that can help those who are disabled, how we can all "go green", and even how to cure cancer.

After exploring MIT, continue on the Red Line on the "T", Boston's public transportation, and find yourself in the middle of Harvard Square within minutes. Wander through the Harvard Coop Bookstore, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, and explore the writings of scientists of the 17th century and the 21st century. While you are in Harvard Square, also explore the Harvard Book Store, one of the oldest independent bookstores in the country. Each bookseller has his or her own personal recommendations, so start a conversation with one. You might end up with a great book like Leonardo's Machines: Da Vinci's Inventions Revealed by Domenico Laurenza.

While you are on the Harvard campus, go to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, where your family can learn about climate change, mineralogy and animals from around the world. Once a month the museum has family programs geared towards middle school students and their families. Plan your visit at http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/ so you can make the most of your time. Adults: $9. Seniors (65+) and Non-Harvard students: $7 and Children (Ages 3-18): $6.00. Open 9am-5pm, 7 days a week.

If you want something interactive and hands-on, the Museum of Science is the perfect place to visit. Check out their website at http://www.mos.org/ and you'll see all the public programs, IMAX films, Planetarium presentations, and interactive exhibits available to visitors. Whether it is environmental science, space travel, or

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