Cheryl Sandvoss (pink) talks to Girl Guides at UNBC this morning about crimes and forensics

Prince George, BC – It’s been a science-filled weekend for approximately 60 Girl Guides from across the region who’ve been taking part in a number of workshops at UNBC…

The provincial arm of Girl Guides sponsored the two-day "GUEST" event – Guides Exploring Science and Technology.  The girls came from Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Smithers, and Prince George to participate in everything from chemistry experiments, to carefully dismantling owl pellets, to this morning’s final session of forensics and crime scene examination.

Kylie Erickson and Rebekah Massey were at the shoeprint station, while others worked away at ballistics, hair analysis, dental impressions and crime scene evidence.

Local Co-Organizer, Debra McConnell, says the weekend was meant to give the girls a first-hand opportunity to meet women mentors who’ve actually pursued careers in science.  "It also gives them a ‘feel’ for science," she says.  "It’s a chance for them to get their hands in and their fingers dirty and realize there’s a lot more to it than what they might learn in science class."

By all accounts, the weekend has been a success.  "The girls have been so engaged and enjoying each session," says McConnell.  "Although they may have found the owl pellets ‘yucky’ – they were still right in their with their gloves on and tweezers ready, ready to take apart the pellet."

"I think they just thought it was cool and interesting to experience all these different areas of science."