Photo of public engagement session at John Paul Academy GlasgowOn 27 March 2019, Dr Jana Anderson took part in STEM club in John Paul Academy, Summerston, Glasgow, organised by the Glasgow Polyomics facility.

Jana led the session and was helped by Joan C Garcia, a PhD student.

First year pupils that attend this science club learned about proteins, where do we find them in our bodies and what do they do and about protein sources in food. They learned that to sustainably support 10 billion people on the planet in 2050, which is when they will be about 43 years old, and prevent ill-health and preserve our environment, people will have to eat more plant based protein such as legumes and nuts and eat animal protein -especially any red meat, only occasionally. Other novel foods may need to supply our protein requirements such as edible insect. The pupils learned how to detect protein in different food such as beef, soya-based meat alternative, and edible crickets. This was then accompanied by a tasting session and discussion about the pupils food choices.

The teacher said afterwards that the pupils really enjoyed it and are benefiting form the STEM club.

First published: 28 June 2018

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