The decibel and excitement levels were considerably higher than usual as students huddled over preserved human hearts during biology class at Vashon High School in St. Louis. A visiting Teaching Team — made up of graduate and medical students from Washington University’s Young Scientist Program (YSP) — led the hands-on demonstration.
Vashon biology teacher Samantha Lurie stepped back as the YSP team took charge, explaining how to measure blood pressure, use a stethoscope and identify parts of the heart. The team also showed the hearts of a smoker and nonsmoker, and discussed the related health risks.
“The Teaching Team sparked the students’ curiosity,” she said. “It was great to see my students asking a lot of questions, and then later bragging about the experience to others.”
Participation is the cornerstone of the YSP. For 25 years, the YSP has increased the participation of underrepresented groups in science by bringing resources directly to St. Louis-area public schools.
Read the full story in the School of Medicine’s Outlook Magazine.
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