Biomedical Science Camp Finds the Cure

Posted on 06/07/2019
Middle School students participate in DNA separation experiment


Summer has officially started in FHSD and so have our summer camps and programs! In the Middle School Biomedical Science Camp students started off their week learning about viruses, bacteria, and  big outbreaks of different diseases. From there, they transformed into real scientists exploring how they can potentially cure genetic diseases by looking at DNA and genes.

Teacher Sam Berendzen talks with studentsThe camp, hosted by FHHS this year, provides middle school students with an inside look into the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science courses that are offered in high school. “It goes deeper into stuff we’ve talked about for just a day in school,” said Katelyn Guth, incoming eighth grader from Saeger Middle School. “When I learn about it in the future, I will already have that background knowledge.”

To add a colorful and tasty twist to their lessons this week, the students used M&Ms and licorice to create DNA models. They also had the opportunity to apply their lessons in the laboratory by practicing DNA separation.

“I hope they get an interest in and appreciation for medicine this week,” said camp leader and FHHS teacher Sam Berendzen. “Whether the students end up being a doctor or not someday, we all have health issues and we all have a need for medicine. I want these kids to be thinking in terms of their health for their lifetime and what they can do to be proactive.”

While summer allows for a break after a busy school year, many students in FHSD are proactive about their education. “This camp gets me learning for a week of the summer, rather than watching TV,” said Guth. It’s always exciting to see our students jump into learning before they jump into the pool. It looks like summer is off to a great start!

Middle School student participates in DNA separation experiment     Middle School students participate in DNA separation activity

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