Co-Immunicate: Communicating Immunity to the Community
Published: 27 March 2020
Dr Megan MacLeod, Kerrie Hargrave and two Third Year undergraduate students recently delivered the first session of their innovative ScotPEN-funded project to Anderston Primary School's P7 pupils.
Dr Megan MacLeod, Kerrie Hargrave and Third Year undergraduate students Lois Mason and Natalia Sanchez recently delivered the first session of their Co-Immunicate: Communicating Immunity to the Community project.
Funded by a ScotPEN Wellcome engagement grant, the Institute staff and students visited Anderston Primary School in Glasgow and taught Primary 7 pupils about viruses and the immune system.
The Children - and researchers and teachers - participated in fun activities such as making snot to catch viruses and testing how good they are at getting rid of germs by washing their hands.
The pupils learnt a great deal and will use their new found knowledge to invent imaginary viruses and suggest new activities to teach younger children within the school about these topics.
Unfortunately, due to the current situation surrounding COVID-19, the Institute group cannot return after the Easter holidays to continue the project this year.
However, the ScotPEN public engagement grant lasts for four years, ensuring the Co-Immunicate project will return to Anderston Primary in 2021.
Kerrie Hargrave said: "Together we created new activities to inspire younger children’s interest in science and help them understand viruses, the immune system, and vaccines.
"The P7 pupils will present these fun, interactive activities to younger pupils of the school with best activities showcased at Science Sunday at Glasgow Science Festival 2021 – we hope to see you there!"
First published: 27 March 2020