Science - a way out of poverty

Volunteer Service in the DR

The highlight of March was the work of a team of scientists and a photographer who has worked for National Geographic and a writer of children's books who teamed up to inspire children in the poorest areas of Puerto Plata to consider science as a future.

Greta Binford is Assistant professor of evolutionary biology at Lewis and Clark College in Portland Oregon taught children in Spanish about the purpose of her work which is a special type of spider. She and her team were here to find a spider that could unlock problems in medicine. Her students conduct DNA studies and map the complex ways some spiders produce bioproducts. This information will lead to new medicines and a better understanding of the Tree of Life.

Most importantly the team taught children that science is a way out of poverty. An education in math and science can lead to a life of adventure.

The team hopes to return next year to train teachers and students to develop a science fair and a system of rewarding and inspiring students to make significant contributions to the evolution of life on this planet.

8:15 AM - Mar. 29, 2009