SIGNALS Genome BC News | Fall 2013

ContentsFeature Story | Message from the President & CEO | Profile | Partnerships In Action | News & Announcements

Geneskool is Genome BC’s signature educational outreach program. Through this program, volunteer scientist-presenters from Genome BC and the UBC chapter of the Let’s Talk Science program (featured in our Partnerships in Action section of this issue) travel thousands of kilometres throughout the province, bringing molecular biology to regions where there are fewer opportunities for students to interact with advanced lab technology. All activities are designed to align with the BC Ministry of Education Prescribed Learning Outcomes, meaning BC students are getting an extra boost of learning that complements their existing curriculums.

Through the significant amount of time these outreach scientists have spent interacting with BC’s students and teachers, an important unmet need has been discovered: the kids want more. They want more time, more learning, more intense programs and more sophisticated science. Thus Genome BC has now developed Geneskool full-day workshops and Geneskool Summer Camp to fill these gaps.

Activities are designed to align with the BC Ministry of Education Prescribed Learning Outcomes.

The full-day workshops are run in partnership with BC university and college campuses. They provide students with a great introduction and practical experience to genetics and molecular biology lab techniques. Activities in this workshop include blood typing, fingerprint analysis, DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis. Additionally, the students must work together to solve the mock crime without teacher support, reinforcing the concept that science is underpinned by discovery and analysis. Geneskool Summer Camps provide students with a unique opportunity to explore and develop their interest in DNA, genetics, gene function and diverse applications of genomics to our everyday lives, particularly in forensics and medicine.

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www.genomebc.ca

HAPPY CAMPERS

Another cornerstone of the Geneskool program is the Travelling Exhibits, offered free of charge to classrooms around the province. These portable educational displays are filled with multimedia activities, colourful text panels, fun computer games and 3-D models that allow students to fully explore, engage and learn about the world of genomics. The four exhibits, A Crash Course in Genomics, What’s all the Buzz About Bees?, Mountain Pine Beetle and Salmon: A Local Treasure, have toured science classrooms, Community Science Celebrations and other education venues. More information and booking details can be found at www.genomebc.ca/education/outreach-programs/travelling-exhibits.

The wealth of resources available on the Genome BC website are also an integral component of our outreach program. Teachers can access online activities, science animations, instructors for classroom activities and more. At Genome BC we want to make sure that every student in BC can reach their full potential and learn about the wonder that is genomics.

This year’s camp was hosted by the dynamic education duo of Carolina Novoa, a PhD student in integrated genomics at Terry Fox Labs, and Jesse Olson, a MSc student in pathology and lab medicine at Child and Family Research Institute. They devised a complex “mock” murder mystery involving:

• “Schedule 1 substances” as defined by the Chemical Weapons Convention

• biosafety level 4 materials; and

• the frightening possibility of a zombie apocalypse!

Geneskool Summer Camp is not simply about laboratory activities and fun forensic mysteries: campers also get to hear from guest speakers including RCMP Identification Officers, forensic anthropologists and more. Genome BC received excellent feedback including:

Thank you for your time and effort in organizing the learning experience that Shaun participated in last week. It sounded like a very high quality, multi-dimensional experience. I certainly heard about it in considerable detail as it’s a lengthy drive to South Delta and Shaun easily kept a monologue going the whole way as he related what had occurred on any given day. I hope it is an opportunity that will continue to be sponsored and supported by Genome BC as it is very enriching for a select number of students.

- Graham Coburn, parent of a Geneskool camp participant

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HAPPY CAMPERSCont’d from cover

Check out all the resources at www.genomebc.ca/education.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

TURNING ON LIGHT BULBS

Every living organism has a genome meaning genomics is all around us. And as this branch of science has progressed, the impacts and outcomes of genomics research now have the potential to affect almost every aspect of our lives. When Genome BC was created in 2000, the board of directors realized the necessity of embracing and understanding the living world around us. They set a mandate that education and the provision of student and teacher resources combined with outreach would be a key focus of the organization so that following generations would be able to comprehend the power and challenges of genomics. Our education outreach programs are designed to inform British Columbia’s students about the wonder of genomics and give them tools to discuss the practical implications of the science. We provide resources to:

• reach out to high school students across BC and the Yukon through our Geneskool program, which includes classroom visits, “traveling suitcases”, full-day classroom field trips and Geneskool summer camps,

• foster strong alliances in science education, with partners such as Science World, Let’s Talk Science, the Michael Smith Laboratories at UBC and the BC Science Teachers’ Association; and

• partner with BC schools to offer scientifically sound and unbiased activities and materials to add value to the high school science curriculum.

My hope is that for generations to come genomics technology and outcomes of research will be applied even further and this new knowledge will continue to address social and economic challenges. We at Genome BC endeavour to provide resources to educate this future generation about the promise and potential of genomics.

Over the past 12 years, I’m very proud of how Genome BC’s education program has flourished and evolved. The Geneskool program has now reached over 25,000 students in 76 communities across BC. More than 70,000 individuals have participated in Genome BC exhibits, community science celebrations and other community based outreach activities.

One way we are able to encourage young minds to explore science is by sponsoring “Around the Dome in 30 Days” at Science World. Our sponsorship enabled Science World to open the doors free of charge to over 21,000 people during the last weekend in September.

It is safe to say that science continues to play a role in the everyday lives of families in our province. Those youngsters marveling at electrical currents and water tables are the same minds that will one day be trying to harness the social and economic benefits, and solve the challenges, presented by genomics. Those bright-eyed children will be the ones leading us in the bioeconomy of the future where genomics promises to be a key player. It is my hope that they will be the eager listeners at a Don Rix Keynote Lecture in 20 years’ time. One thing is certain—the impact of Genome BC’s education outreach is helping to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Alan E. WinterPresident & CEO, Genome British Columbia

Education is an ever-evolving profession. In recent years, technology has provided new options for interactive learning, multi-faceted classroom tools and new ways of delivering expertise and knowledge. Yet the fundamentals of teaching remain the same and require many skill sets including integrating the curriculum, creating hunger and curiosity in students and teaching students how to love learning.

For Sandy Wohl, Genome BC’s Education Outreach Specialist, teaching is the only career he has wanted to pursue for the past four decades. He has the intrinsic desire to impart knowledge, work with students and see the “light bulb” moments.

Sandy is a nationally recognized peer educator. He is the recipient of several national and international teaching honours including a Prime Minister’s Award and a Reader’s Digest National Leadership in Education Award. He has authored numerous articles for a variety of publications, including science textbooks and the Journal of the BC Science Teachers’ Association.

Like many of his peers, Sandy says “my love of science was fostered early, sparked by a chemistry set I received as a child and was also encouraged by great high school science teachers.” His love of education, particularly his passion for educating teachers, was cemented at in an experimental high school in Winnipeg during the 1970s, which had innovative teaching structures and strategies he continues to apply to this day. In 1980, after almost a decade of teaching in one of the most challenging, inner-city schools in Winnipeg, Sandy decided to leave the city and head west—to the “land of opportunity”.

After an almost 30 year career in Vancouver, Sandy retired from full-time teaching. However, his dedication and desire to share his knowledge did not retire. His momentum soon led him to his role at Genome BC, and to teaching Secondary Science Methods courses to UBC teacher candidates where he also acts as a Faculty Advisor. “Genome BC is one of the most forward-looking organizations in science outreach and education - my hope is that I can contribute as a science educator,” says Sandy.

He shares his insight into teachers needs and challenges with Genome BC to ensure the wealth of teacher resources available on their website are manageable and can be easily adapted or adopted for classroom use.

This past September, Sandy participated in Genome BC’s outreach activities at Science World’s Around the Dome in 30 Days events and witnessed many more “light bulb” moments. He is more inspired than ever to help keep momentum going for Genome BC’s education outreach programs and activities, ensuring that genomics is a key part of BC education curriculums and hopes that every budding scientist in our province is given opportunities to succeed.

PROFILE:SANDY WOHL

TEACHING THE TEACHER

From pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, from Tofino to St. John’s to Yellowknife the vision of Let’s Talk Science (LTS) knows no bounds. Founded in 1993 by Bonnie Schmidt, this award-winning, national organization creates and delivers unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Genome BC has been partnering with the UBC Chapter of LTS for almost a decade to bring essential genomics learning to classrooms around the province.

Through these science outreach activities LTS volunteers deliver hands-on/minds-on activities, free of charge, to children and youth from coast to coast. LTS mobilizes more than 3,000 enthusiastic volunteers and partners them with science outreach opportunities in schools and communities across Canada. One of these exceptional volunteers is Sherie Duncan, an inspired and inspiring young woman on the cusp of completing her PhD in Experimental Medicine at UBC.

This award-winning, national organization creates and delivers unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and

math (STEM).

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION: LET’S TALK DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

SAVE THE DATEGenome BC’s Annual Winter Symposium will be Tuesday,

January 21, 2014 at SFU Downtown’s Segal Building. Stay

tuned for more info soon.

Sherie has been involved with Let’s Talk Science since 2005, and Genome BC’s conduit into the organization since 2007. Sherie’s desire to provide “upper-level thinking for kids” is driven by her goal of de-mystifying science, particularly around genetics and genomics.

Sherie has applied the LTS approach to STEM education with fun, exciting, hands-on activities that improve their understanding of physical and life sciences, mathematics and technology. This approach builds critical life skills, including problem solving, communication and teamwork, and takes into account the fact that each individual learns in their own unique way.

Sherie’s desire to provide “upper-level thinking for kids” is driven by her goal of de-mystifying science, particularly around genetics and genomics.

The UBC team, including Sherie, comprises of over 400 UBC graduate student volunteers. They are positive role models, providing mentorship and fostering positive attitudes towards science. Volunteers also gain valuable knowledge translation experience and an enriched academic experience. Teachers have access to resources that might not be available as well as support from experts in areas of science they might not be familiar with.

From Tofino to St. John’s to Yellowknife, LTS knows no bounds.

Sherie’s behind-the-scenes work also includes writing instructor’s guides which detail step-by-step instructions for how to present the activity, what topics to introduce, what instructions to reiterate and how to drive discussion. Sherie still loves being hands on, so she still steps in to do one-day workshops and community events in the Lower Mainland. She finds the greatest delight “working with students who begin a day disengaged and out of focus… then by the end of the day they have a light in their eyes and fabulous questions”. For Sherie, this is priceless.

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION: LET’S TALK DIFFERENCE MAKERS Cont’d from previous

Originally a travelling volunteer for Genome BC’s Geneskool outreach programs, Sherie now oversees the activities from a distance by training other motivated volunteers while ensuring that the material and teacher resources meet the highest standards. She has personally designed some of the most popular activities including the mysteries (she writes several different ones every year for in-class, full-day and camp activities) and is also the genius behind a community booth activity which runs DNA gel using colour-dyed jelly and learning about DNA gel electrophoresis. Sherie strives to be responsive to the needs and requests of the community as well: a 2010 outreach trip to Haida Gwaii required a new, non-violent, mystery that was interesting for older students but could be participated in by the whole school.

The UBC team, including Sherie, comprises of over 400 UBC graduate student volunteers. They are positive role models, providing mentorship and fostering positive attitudes towards science.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOW DIGITIZING HUMANS CHANGES THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE

On September 30th, Dr. Eric Topol presented the 4th Annual Don Dix Distinguished Keynote Address to a packed room at the Hotel Georgia. His fascinating talk probed the future of medicine and healthcare delivery and highlighted some of the technology he uses today with his cardiology patients. If you missed the talk, you can view it on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/genomicseducation.

VANCOUVER-BASED RESEARCHERS MOVING FORWARD ON ELIMINATING HIV/AIDS

On September 18th, Genome BC announced a new $5 million HIV/AIDS research project. Led by internationally renowned researchers Drs. Richard Harrigan and Julio Montaner, this project

aims to develop an improved HIV drug-resistance test, real-time drug resistance surveillance and better methods for personalizing treatment of HIV based on each patient’s unique DNA.

DID YOU KNOW?

Genome BC currently has four open funding competitions available to BC-based researchers. Our funding programs support a wide range of opportunities from large-scale applied genomics projects to accelerating the commercialization process for genomics-related innovations to supporting collaborative research institution/industry partnerships in finding research solutions to the needs of BC’s key sectors. Details can be found on our website: www.genomebc.ca/opportunities/current-funding-competitions.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

At time of press, our volunteers are getting ready to visit three new communities to the Geneskool program. We are excited to meet students in Cranbrook, Jaffray and Fernie. Stay tuned for more details.

Dr. Richard Harrigan Dr. Julio Montaner

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Genome British ColumbiaSuite 400575 West 8th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z 0C4Tel: 604 738 8072

www.genomebc.cainfo@genomebc.ca

Alan PelmanChair

lan de la RocheVice Chair

Alan WinterGenome BC

Neena L. ChappellUniversity of Victoria

Ken GalbraithVentures West Capital Ltd.

Ida GoodreauUniversity of British Columbia

Janet HalliwellJ.E. Halliwell Associates Inc.

Victor LingTerry Fox Research Institute

Peter O’CallaghanBlake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Edward SafarikOcean Fisheries Ltd.

John ShepherdUniversity of British Columbia

John F.H. ThompsonPetraScience Consultants Inc.

BOARD MEMBERS

We welcome your comments and input.Please send comments to: info@genomebc.ca

Genome BC is supported by the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada and more than 300 international public and private co-funding partners.

Printed on 100% recyclable paper.

TEDXKIDSBC’S annual conference, Power in Me, is just around the corner. This conference aims to empowering ‘kids’ of all ages to inspire each other and live in a kid-empowered world. Eleven amazing speakers and two performers will take the stage for an all day event on October 26th at TELUS World of Science. Topics vary from art as a form of expression to overcoming difficult situations such as depression and bullying. This group of kids will keep you engaged and inspired! Visit their website to learn more: www.tedxkidsbc.com

AROUND THE DOME IN 30 DAYS

Genome BC is pleased to be the Presenting Sponsor of Around the Dome in 30 Days at TELUS World of Science. To kick off the month-long series of events, Science World hosted a Community Science Celebration on September 29th and 30th. More than 20,000 people enjoyed the weekend free of charge because of support from Genome BC and BC Hydro. Many thanks to our volunteers!