Getting skooled

East Kootenay students recently had the opportunity to engage in biology activities with Geneskool workshops through Genome BC

1 of 7Grade 12 students from Mount Baker Secondary School work to extract DNA from a kiwi. — Kristen Mitchell photo

2 of 7A Geneskool workshop fit well with the curriculum of Mount Baker Secondary. — Kristen Mitchell photo

3 of 7Science can be fun and games. — Kristen Mitchell photo

4 of 7extracting DNA from a kiwi was a new experience for these Grade 12 students. — Kristen Mitchell photo

5 of 7Mashing the kiwi around was one key step. — Kristen Mitchell photo

6 of 7UBC grad student Jake McIvor explains an aspect of biology. — Kristen Mitchell photo

7 of 7Students were recruited to help solve a "crime" using extracted DNA. — Kristen Mitchell photo

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A recent visit by Genome BC gave many of the East Kootenay’s budding scientists a chance to get involved in fun biology activities during the organization's Geneskool workshops. Students from elementary school through Grade 12 had a chance to participate as UBC grad students Jake McIvor and Hamed Ahmadi brought Geneskool right to their classrooms.

The Genome BC Geneskool program has visited communities throughout B.C. for many years and hopes to impart how fascinating science can be.

“Students are really enthusiastic about the workshops, because it makes science fun and relevant to their lives,” said Sally Greenwood, vice-president, Communications and Education at Genome BC. “We make sure to explain the scientific activities and how they can be applied in real-life situations, and explore the potential applications and impact of genomic technologies on Canadian society.”

Grant Duchscherer, biology teacher at Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook, said that approximately 150 students have benefitted from Geneskool at that facility alone. While helping students extract DNA from kiwis and discussing a number of concepts, McIvor and Ahmadi also took time to discuss university options with Grade 12 students.

Teachers also like the program because it ties in to the high school biology curriculum.

“Our aim is that after attending Genome BC Geneskool, students will continue to appreciate the value of science and math in today’s knowledge-based economy,” said Greenwood. “We are hopeful that students not only develop greater understanding of genetic sciences, but realize the wealth of opportunity that exists in scientific disciplines.”

Duchscherer was pleased that his students had the opportunity to learn from advanced university students with a passion for science. An applied program for biology will be offered to Grade 12 students for the 2014/2015 school year at Mount Baker, which will allow graduates to receive university credit and/or placement along with their high school course.

The free Geneskool  workshop sends scientist-presenters from UBC’s Let’s Talk Science program to rural communities, bringing molecular biology to regions where there are fewer opportunities for students to interact with advanced lab technology. Topics can include biotech, translation, DNA extraction, electrophoresis and an introduction to natural selection. 

“The impact and applications of genome sciences in this century will be profound and far-reaching and we believe it is important that as a society we understand it,” said Dr. Alan Winter, president and CEO of Genome BC. “Engaging students in innovative education programs such as Genome BC Geneskool helps them understand the significance of the science in a way that is accessible and exciting.”