Category: In-School Field Trip Experiences

Intro to Catalyst: Using Precision Medicine to Treat Cancer

In this immersive experience, students step into the role of genetic researchers, first calculating polygenic risk scores (PRS) and assessing environmental factors to estimate lung cancer risk in fictional patients. They then apply PCR and gel electrophoresis techniques to identify biomarkers, using these findings to determine the most effective, personalized treatment for each case. This hands-on journey gives students a powerful look into how modern medicine combines genetics and diagnostics to tailor treatments.

*Full experience is 90 minutes but can be split into two 45-minute sessions across two days for those on 50 minute period schedules.

Molecular Medicine

Take a step into the world of pharmacology as we learn about the drug development process. Students will engage in a hands-on activity that uses molecular models to illustrate the structure, composition, and characteristics of common medicines. Students will then analyze the steps of a chemical reaction as they explore various elements of the periodic table before they are combined to make a new substance. *Full experience is 45 minutes, or a one day experience.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Not Just a Phage!

Have you ever imagined a world where a mere sneeze could become a showdown? Where common infections gear up like superheroes? Welcome to the Antibiotic Apocalypse – a world in which antibiotics can no longer defeat common infections. A world where strep throat could again be fatal.

Students will break down this doomsday scenario with a little game of chance. They will explore how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and illustrate how misuse can generate selection pressures for some bacteria to flourish. Trust us, it’s not just a phage! *Full experience is 45 minutes.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR YOUR VISIT?

We will provide all the necessary supplies, materials, and content for your students to successfully participate in all activities. At most, we will need something to display a PowerPoint presentation and access to electrical outlets for lab equipment.

WHO LEADS THE FIELD TRIPS?

Our in-school field trips are led by the experienced members of our STEM Education Outreach team, Dr. Kathryn Lanier, Ms. Molly Langston, Mr. Shon Essex, and our pre-service educator fellows.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY?

In the event of severe weather, our top priority is the safety of you, your students, and our staff. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel due to severe weather. We will do our best to reschedule your in-school field trip, pending availability. Please contact stem@southernresearch.org to cancel your in-school field trip, with the subject line: In-School Field Trip Cancellation.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

In the event you must cancel your in-school field trip, please contact us no later than 48 hours prior to our visit. Please contact stem@southernresearch.org to cancel your in-school field trip, with the subject line: In-School Field Trip Cancellation.

WHAT TIME DOES THE IN-SCHOOL FIELD TRIP START AND END?

We’ve designed these activities to fit within a 45-minute or 90-minute class period. We will use your school’s class schedule to determine the start and end of each session with your students (e.g., 2nd period – 8:55-9:45 AM). 

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