Let's Talk Science 2017

This June as part of the HPI program’s community outreach work we had the most excellent opportunity to join the Let’s Talk Science program, (http://outreach.letstalkscience.ca/ucalgary/) in putting on their Amazing Race-style science challenge for teams of high school students. We were one of many awesome booths that the kids had the chance to check out over their lunch break, and we had a tonne of questions from young, enthusiastic minds.

We had parasites samples, as well as our “flea dirt” DIY diagnosis demonstration. Want to know how to easily check if your pet has fleas? All you need is a flea comb, a cotton swab, and some paper towel! Of course, among the parasite samples, the Ascaris worms were stealing the show – who can resist a big jar of worms? We also used the event as an opportunity to remind the kids to be extra wary of ticks while they take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather to hike around the mountains. Great job to all the volunteers – hopefully we piqued an interest in parasitology in these future scientists!