Students explore options in the medical field
ECHS class tours M.D. Anderson research facility

Health Science Technology 1 students at El Campo High look on as fog is produced after liquid nitrogen is poured over dish soap in a bucket resulting in the fog, then the ice. This was part of the learning experience at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Science Park-Research Division in Smithville. El Campo High School's Health Science Technology 1 students Contributed Photos stand outside the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Conference Center after their tour in Smithville. Pictured are (front, l-r) Dera O'Canas, Jessica Lopez, Alejandra Rosas, (center) Ashley Faultry, Natalie Guerrero, Lynette Faniel, Becky Montes, Desiree Pleasant, (back) HST instructor Margie Cerny, Crystal Williams, Karis Johansen, Brittany Hayes, Bobby Gardner, Will Alameda and Shelby Rooker.

Students in Health Science Technology I class at El Campo High School attended a field trip to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Science Park-Research Division in Smithville on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The students participated in the Community Outreach & Education Program offered by the Science Park.

Health Science Technology 1 students at El Campo High look on as fog is produced after liquid nitrogen is poured over dish soap in a bucket resulting in the fog, then the ice. This was part of the learning experience at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Science Park-Research Division in Smithville.

Students assembled in the Sam Harrison Auditorium at the J.J. "Jake" Pickle Conference Center and were given a pre-test on skin cancer before the presentation on UV carcinogenesis. During the presentation they learned about the two types of skin cancer and the dangers of too much sun exposure. They also learned the worst time to be in the sun is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dr. David Mitchell, research professor, gave the presentation.

The students were then given a tour of the facility and more presentations on each stop.

On their first stop, Kent Claypool, showed the students a flow cytometry machine that sorts cells into colors for further research. Their next stop was to Sean Hensley in the molecular biology lab. The students got to see a robot demonstration on a machine used for DNA testing. He also showed them many other experiments using heated water, balloons and aluminum cans. The most exciting experiment was when he used liquid nitrogen to shrink balloons, and then watch them expand again and liquid nitrogen to produce fog, then ice on the sidewalk.

The last stop on the tour was to Jimi Lynn Brandon in the histology lab. She demonstrated how tissue samples are dipped in wax then shaved down in thin strips to be viewed under the microscope.

After the tour, the students completed a post-test and evaluation. The tour helped the students learn about the exciting opportunities available in the field of scientific research.