Geneskool visits Abbotsford schools

Mouat Grade 9 science student Kirsten Spitzig transfers a sample of Kiwi DNA during a school visit by Genome BCs Geneskool program.

image credit: Tyler Olsen

Secondary students in Abbotsford got a peak inside the world of genomics and genetics when Genome BCs Geneskool program visited science and biology classes at local secondary schools earlier this week.

Students at WJ Mouat secondary school and Dasmesh Punjabi School worked to solve a fun mystery involving a rich father, a kidney donation, and a child who was switched at birth in a hospital.

The students learned about genomes, DNA and how researchers use them in the lab.

Genomics is an information science that is increasingly becoming more important as every living organism on the planet has a genome.

The Genome BC Geneskool volunteers, scientist presenters from UBCs Lets Talk Science program, are often MSc and PhD candidates who share their motivation and passion for science with the students.

The Genome BC Geneskool programs have been active in communities throughout the province for almost a decade. The program also shares science in a mobile fashion with creative Genome BC Geneskool "travelling suitcase exhibits" full of portable displays and hands on activities and materials.

Molecular biology is an integral part of our natural world, said Sally Greenwood, vice-president of communications and education at Genome BC. The Genome BC Geneskool program offers students a chance to use advanced laboratory technology and techniques to see the tiny world that exists at the microbial level while learning, having fun and garnering a greater appreciation of the world around us.

I dont think we can underestimate the need to promote science to the next generation, said Dr. Alan Winter, president and chief executive officer of Genome BC.

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Geneskool visits Abbotsford schools