After our last workshop with BioCompass Kids, we were excited to hear that they had developed a new technical workshop. This one would be based on microscopy and histology (the study of tissues), and how they are used to study neurological disease. The workshop was still 4 hours, but class size was capped at 8 students. Recommended age is 9+ years, with an understanding of animal cells.
As before, Drs. Aarron and Natalia had set up the workspace full of interesting tools. We started off with a overview of safety protocols. Dr. Aarron reviewed the safety data sheet for chemicals we would be encountering, e.g. PBS (phosphate buffer saline solution).
He also introduced how to use the pipette - this version was different from the ones that commonly come in our lab kits because it had stops. We learned best practices such as: always put a pipette with tip down to avoid contamination and eject its contents slowly to avoid air bubbles.
We then proceeded with the first experiment: staining mouse brain cells. The doctors had already pre-sliced cells using a vibratome, which they had brought to demonstrate. Microscope slices need to be thin so light can go through. One technique is via freezing tissue, but it is not always an option. The vibratome vibrates, sliding the specimen forward, before slicing it with a sharp blade. Students learned how to pick up the paper-thin slices using the flattened brush heads.
Following which was a multi-step process - the cells had to be washed of fixative (so the methylene blue would stick), then washed again of excess methylene. During each wash, they discussed cells, e.g. how it is the building block/smallest living unit of life, how there are many types of cells in the body, and why methylene blue sticks to the nucleus (the nucleus is negatively charged, which attracts it most).
During break. Dr. Natalia helped to mount the slices onto slides. While waiting, they played a neuropathology game. There were two boards - one with symptom descriptions, another one with a picture of the brain. Pairs of cards were distributed - one of a healthy cell, another diseased. Students compared the structural changes (morphological differences), then went to the symptom board to read and then try to pinpoint in the brain where the disease occurred. Examples included Multiple Sclerosis (cells display loss of myelin) and schizophrenia (inflammation with increased micro-ganglia).
Finally, each student got to view the slide they had stained and compare it against a reference picture to figure out which slice of the brain they had been given.
As before, we are truly thankful for this opportunity to learn hands-on science. Drs. Aarron and Natalia had explained that they designed the lab so students would get to try things they wouldn't elsewhere - they succeeded and more. We continue to recommend their programs to other homeschoolers and look forward to new workshops!
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