Hands-On Biomedical Workshops - For Students

What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand....
-Confucius

Hands-on learning is the best way to engage students in science. Students in hands-on science programs understand the material better, feel a sense of accomplishment when the experiment is completed, and can transfer that experience to other learning situations with ease.

The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR), in partnership with the University of Calgary's Let's Talk Science (LTS) Program, is pleased to offer hands-on science workshops on topics related to the human body. The workshops will be held in state-of-the-art training facilities at the University of Calgary (U of C) Faculty of Medicine and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the U of C labs are not available, talk to us about bringing workshops to your classroom. We will also tailor hands-on workshops to fit your teaching requirements.

AHFMR Workshops

WhoDunnit?

You are working in a forensic lab and have isolated DNA from a drop of blood left behind by the culprit at the scene of a crime. Only seven people had access to the crime site when the crime occurred. All are suspects! DNA samples have been obtained from each of these possible villains. Your task is to carry out a "DNA fingerprint" test to determine which suspect matches the DNA sample recovered at the crime scene. It is your job to find out WhoDunnit!

"WhoDunnit?" workshops are available in 1.5 and 2 hour formats.
Appropriate for Bio30, AP, and IB programs, or tailored to suit your needs.

The Cell

Learn how to stain and identify blood cells from different animal species. Animals have blood cells very similar to ours in appearance and function. For senior students, we include samples of cells in culture and explain how they are used in various scientific studies such as gene therapy and stem cells.

"The Cell" works best with small groups of students if hosted at the U of C, or we can bring microscopes to your classroom.
Appropriate for junior high (1 to 1.5 hours) or senior high (1.5 to 2.5 hours) curriculums.

DNA Isolation

How do you get the DNA out of cells? We use common reagents that can be found in kitchens and bathrooms.
DNA Isolation workshops are very short and often combined with "The Cell" or "WhoDunnit?".
Appropriate for older students, this workshop will include the effect of mutations and the Human Genome Project.

Bioinformatics - Achoo and Mad Cow

Do you know WHERE to find the Human Genome? What is a GATC sequence? What gene is it? What protein does it encode? Are there genetic diseases associated with this gene? How do we figure it all out?

You can surf for BioInformatics in your school and at U of C. All you need is the internet-we provide the assignment and the answers! You can also request a Let's Talk Science volunteer to deliver this workshop at your school.

Appropriate for senior high Bio, Math, and CompSci students, or other students interested in the application of computers to answer biological questions. This workshop is also available at a junior high level.

Epidemiology

Learn the roles of public health personnel in terms of epidemiology-the study of disease in human populations. Then use your knowledge through role playing to solve several riddles about an outbreak of food-borne disease. Roles include a hospital microbiologist or a banquet attendee! Several other cases will be used to illustrate the importance of infection control in our everyday lives.

This workshop can be offered in your classroom or in groups.

Vein to Vein: Blood Typing

This workshop teaches students about the blood donation process, from the donor to the recipient. Content includes learning what is required of donors and how blood processing works at Canadian Blood Services. Students will learn how to blood type (using artificial blood) to find a compatible donor.

This workshop can offered at the U of C or in your classroom.
Appropriate for Bio20 or can be tailored to suit your needs.

Workshops Tailored To Your Needs

We have a bank of science activities that can be built into a seminar day, workshop or event in your school.

NOTE: Bookings for wet workshops at the U of C are dependent on available laboratory time. The best times to book are during university exam periods, at the end of semesters, and during the winter semester break week. If the U of C labs are not available, ask us about bringing our workshops to your classroom.

LABORATORY SAFETY REGULATIONS: All workshops participants at the U of C must wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have long hair tied back. Anyone not complying with these rules will not be able to enter the laboratory space.

For more information on these and other workshops, or to book a workshop, please contact us at:
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Rm.G33, Heritage Medical Research Building
3330 Hospital Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
Ph: 403-210-9342
Fax: 403-210-8150
Email: