In Episode 57 Dr. Greg Slater, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s School of Geography and Earth Sciences, talks about his research as a geochemist. Dr. Slater explains that Earth is constantly bombarded by meteorites that contain organic compounds. He and his research team study these compounds and compare them to the compounds found elsewhere on Earth.

When Dr. Slater uses the term “organic”, he doesn’t mean it in the same way as the food at your local grocery store or market. In science, the term “organic” refers to carbon compounds that are the building blocks of life and usually originate from photosynthesis. The interesting part of this origin of is that photosynthesis only occurs in plants and certain types of bacteria. This is just another version of the “chicken or egg – which came first” debate. If organic compounds are the building blocks of life and they come from photosynthetic processes of living things, how did life on Earth begin? So far, there isn’t definitive evidence to prove one way or the other, but Dr. Slater suggests the possibility that the organic compounds found in these meteorites may have been the origin of terrestrial life!

Some of the organic compounds that Dr. Slater and his team have found in meteorites include water- insoluble carbon compounds, amino acids (pieces of proteins), carboxylic acids (like vinegar), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These PAH’s are products of the combustion reactions of stars and have been found throughout space. So how can we be sure that these organic compounds are indeed from somewhere in space and not just contaminants from here on Earth? Dr. Slater mentions that contamination on Earth is common because meteorites often land in fields with plant matter and fertilizers before being found and handled without gloves. In January 2011, an exciting opportunity presented itself when a meteorite landed in a frozen lake in British Columbia.

The person who found it kept it frozen and made sure not to bring it in contact with skin or anything else living. According to Dr. Slater, these are the best things you can do to minimize contamination if you ever find a suspected meteorite. To test this meteorite from B.C., Dr. Slater and his research team use stable isotope analysis to look at the ratio between different forms (isotopes) of carbon atoms found in the organic compounds. This allows them to determine whether those organic compounds are from Earth or elsewhere in space. Dr. Slater also highlighted that the organic compounds he studies give a picture of what happened to that meteorite during its travels through space and time. How cool is that?

The beginning of February brought in the second semester for all secondary school students in Ontario. This is undoubtedly an exciting time for the Reaching Every Student program as an increasing number of teachers are submitting requests for the new term. Examples of sessions that have been requested include: genetics, quantum mechanics, ecology, and the solar system.

Dava Slater, a Victoria Park Collegiate Institute teacher at the Toronto District School Board, has requested a session on genetics for her grade 11 and 12 biology classes. A new researcher to VROC, Dr. Andrew Krahn is excited to have the opportunity to connect with Dava Slater’s biology class through videoconferencing. Dr. Andrew Krahn is a cardiologist at the London Cardiac Institute and a professor in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Krahn is an engaging speaker who will provide an insightful and interactive session for each class. Therefore, these sessions will certainly be an educational experience for all students involved.

In next months VROC E-News I look forward to telling you more about a session that will occur on March 1st in Kay Stephen’s biology class at St Pius X High School in Ottawa, ON. We are in the process of finding a researcher who can conduct a demonstration on how to prepare and complete a gel electrophoresis. This is another session that will certainly engage students and provide a unique learning opportunity.
Another VROC program that I need to mention this month is On The Fly. On The Fly allows for a class to connect to a researcher in their lab instantly through videoconferencing. Students will be able to ask the researcher, assigned to their class, curriculum questions that will broaden their knowledge of science, math, and technology topics. The On The Fly program is being launched this month in schools in Southern Ontario.

“UTS has a long history of academic excellence and I’m positive their students will benefit greatly from this partnership” indicated Kevin Cougler, Interim Executive Director. “I’m very excited to welcome them as the latest addition to the VROC family.”

This partnership will specifically provide grade 5-12 UTS students opportunities to interact and/or form mentorship relationships with Canadian experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

I am pleased to announce that “Why Math?” is starting to take shape. As the newest member of the VROC podcast family “Why Math?” will focus on careers that use math on a daily basis. The level of math involved in the careers we showcase will vary as we wish to provide examples of jobs across the spectrum of mathematics; ranging from jobs that require a minimal level of university math to jobs that require a math degree. We seek to answer “Why Math?”, or more importantly, “why should I continue to take math when I have no interest in majoring in it?” By demonstrating careers that require
different levels of mathematics, we hope to encourage students to continue their pursuit of mathematics in any capacity. We are currently making arrangement to film at various locations.

If you think your occupation is suitable for “Why Math?” and you’re interested in becoming involved, please contact ntate@pirweb.org for more information. I look forward to discussing our exciting schedule of filming locations within the coming months!

“This new design is more appealing, vibrant and eye catching”, indicated Kevin Cougler, Interim Executive Director, Partners In Research. “It has a look and feel that is fresh and I think accurately reflects all of the new exciting programming offered through VROC initiatives this academic year and our new direction.”

The new logo will begin to be utilized immediately on all media for the VROC program.

Sincerely,

-Sharon Lee