Twenty-six eighth-grade students from 16 schools across Nebraska attended the 27th annual State Science Experience June 6-8 at UNMC. The meet is hosted by the Nebraska Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program Office.
The goal of the event is to inspire students, especially those from rural and underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in health care by providing a fun and educational experience.
The students qualify to attend by submitting science projects in one of seven science meets held across the state and hosted by the regional AHEC centers and generously supported by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures held earlier in the year.
While on campus students were exposed to the health professions, medical research and patient care. Events included hands-on science activities such as:
- Compounding fake ointment in the pharmacy lab, a tour of the hyperbaric oxygen treatment unit at Nebraska Medicine and a demonstration of the anatomage interactive visualization table through the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions;
- Simulation activities with the SIM-NE truck; and
- Team development and leadership activities at the Omaha Outward Bound School.
The students also were treated to a biomechanics workshop and CAPOW! science show on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus.
“The State Science Experience is an excellent opportunity for students from across the state to gain additional exposure to science, technology and health careers,” said Nicole Carritt, deputy director of the Nebraska AHEC Program at UNMC.
“From this experience, students have the opportunity to build on their interests by participating in activities near their hometowns through our five regional AHEC centers located in Crete, Kearney, Norfolk, Omaha and Scottsbluff,” Carritt said.