December 05, 2016
North Vancouver – High school students from around BC will come together this week to become the next generation of genetics experts at Genome BC’s Geneskool all-day workshops. Students from Whistler, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, North and West Vancouver will be in attendance.
Campers will learn about genetics, biotechnology, and forensics to illustrate the use of genomics in everyday life. The program is designed to facilitate students working in teams to learn about science in a cooperative manner and explore applications of genomics beyond the lab by considering the science from social and ethical perspectives. And they have fun doing it.
Through a combination of dynamic lectures and hands-on experiments, students navigate the twists and turns of this who-done-it. In Capilano University’s state-of-the-art lab facilities, campers participate in laboratory activities including pipetting, fingerprinting, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis.
The Genome BC Geneskool program has been involved in communities throughout BC since 2004
“Our aim is that, after attending a Genome BC Geneskool all-day workshop, students will continue to appreciate the value of science and math in today’s knowledge-based economy. We are hopeful that students not only develop greater understanding of genetic sciences, but realize the wealth of opportunity that exists in scientific disciplines,” says Sally Greenwood, Vice President, Communications and Education at Genome BC.
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About Genome British Columbia:
Genome British Columbia leads genomics innovation on Canada’s West Coast and facilitates the integration of genomics into society. A recognized catalyst for government and industry, Genome BC invests in research, entrepreneurship and commercialization in life sciences to address challenges in key sectors such as health, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agri-food, energy, mining and environment. Genome BC partners with many national and international public and private funding organizations to drive BC’s bioeconomy. In addition to research, entrepreneurship and commercialization programs, Genome BC is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among teachers, students and the general public. www.genomebc.ca
