PEER Veterinary Student Fellows Promote STEM in Local, Rural School
Written by Amina Karedia, 2019 PEER Summer Student Fellow
On May 17, PEER Veterinary Student Fellows Danielle Vaden Anderson, Amina Karedia, and Noor Faisal promoted STEM content and careers in a local, rural school.
The second-year veterinary students presented the topic of “Snakes & Snake Bites” to over 130 fourth graders from five different classes at Caldwell Intermediate School.
The young students learned features and characteristics that allow them to differentiate venomous from non-venomous snakes.
The PEER team also debunked some common myths associated with treating snake bites, such as sucking the venom out or applying a tourniquet to the affected limb. The fourth graders were informed by the budding veterinary students that, in the event of a snake bite to their pet or livestock, consulting with their veterinarian is encouraged.
In addition to snake education, the PEER fellows also shared “Careers in Veterinary Medicine” with the students and explained how veterinarians use math and science to solve real world problems.
Following the presentation, the students participated in a hands-on coloring activity. Here, they chose their own career from four focuses within the veterinary profession: companion animal medicine, equine medicine, food animal medicine, or research.
“The students were very enthusiastic and they asked many follow-up questions that indicated their interest and learning,” Vaden Anderson said.
PEER (http://peer.tamu.edu) provides veterinary students the opportunity to hone leadership and communication skills while promoting STEM understanding in rural schools by sharing educational, interactive presentations on veterinary medical-related topics.
