Participants in the Cromwell Silver Science workshop extract DNA from strawberries.
For some it was their first time back in a classroom for over sixty-five years, but that didn’t stop participants in a recent science outreach project from enthusiastically extracting DNA and clamouring to learn more.
Three Otago Biochemistry and Genetics staff recently joined Katie Nichols from Tūhūra Otago Museum for some genetics and biochemistry-themed workshops held under the banner of Silver Science.
Supported by Age Concern and Central Otago REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme), Silver Science aimed to deliver hands-on and interactive science workshops to senior citizens, particularly in rural areas that would not normally have access to this kind of experience.
Biochemistry outreach co-ordinator Miriam Sharpe, Biochemistry Professional Practice Fellow (Teaching Fellow) Annika Bokor and Genetics Teaching Fellow Karen Knapp all contributed their research and teaching expertise.
The workshops were held in four locations, including the Winton Library in Southland, Alexandra’s Community House, Otago Polytechnic’s Cromwell Town Campus, and Clyde’s Aurum Lifestyle Village.
Participants learned basic concepts about DNA and proteins and how they work, watching short animations and passing around 3D-printed models. The ‘silver scientists’ also got to carry out an experiment: extracting DNA from a strawberry. Many questions about genes, DNA and proteins were asked and each session was tailored according to the different topics that participants brought up. Despite being two hours long, the workshops passed very quickly and the participants stayed attentive and engaged throughout.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with a strong call for more science workshops for these communities:
“Great having enthusiastic presenters with the knowledge and skills to impart clear answers to poorly worded questions.”
“The hands-on part was fun. Thank you. It is the kind of activity (e.g. hands on science) that needs to be available widely in our 'silver' communities. Use it or lose it - keep older brains active.”
“I’d love to do this again ... Really inspirational to have had the privilege of being involved with this course ... First time back in a classroom since 1960. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Ngā mihi nui (a big thank you) to Katie for organising the Silver Science workshops and giving the Department of Biochemistry the opportunity to meet and share stories with so many science enthusiasts.
Katie Nichols (L), Annika Bokor, Miriam Sharpe and two participants from the Alexandra Silver Science workshop hold plastic models of molecules.
Participants from the Clyde Silver Science workshop hold up tubes from their strawberry DNA extraction experiments.
Participants from the Winton Silver Science workshop take turns adding rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) to their DNA extraction experiment.
Participants from the Cromwell Silver Science workshop watch Katie Nichols demonstrate extracting DNA from a strawberry.