Science Bridge Programs

The Science Bridge Project is an effort to help Bonner County youth through education. North Idaho Animal Hospital has created this project in order to supplement the math and science education presented in schools. Our hospital illustrates a 'real-life' example of science and high-technology in the work place. By setting up “learning stations”, using our equipment and models, we are able to show the importance of science and math skills needed to perform diagnostics as well as surgical procedures and treatments in our hospital. The children are shown high-quality digital X-rays of animals and humans, microscope slides , surgical equipment,and other diagnostic instruments. We emphasize how fun and exciting our jobs are and how learning math and exploring the wonders of science can lead to long, interesting and satisfying careers in veterinary or human medicine, dentistry, radiology, or in a multitude of other applications in the workplace.

Our program is offered to K- 8 th grade. The curriculum was created to explore areas in Social Science as well as the inner workings of an Animal Hospital. We can also customize programs to meet specific needs that the students are currently learning in the classroom.

Minimum number of students is 10 and we can take up to 25. We can offer hands on activities as well as interaction with live animals. Limited space is available, so keep us in mind for your classroom field trips. Contact Michelle: 208-265-5700 or e-mail.

The following was published in the Bonner County Daily Bee in March of 2008:

Michelle Kensbock wears many hats at North Idaho Animal Hospital. She works as a technician and as one of the managers of the modern “high-tech” veterinary facility located on highway 2 in downtown Sandpoint. She is also the leader of a new program- The Science Bridge Project - being offered to the youth of Bonner County. The idea is to provide hands-on learning for students (K-12) and to illustrate the actual application of science and math in a real world environment.

“American kids rank somewhere around 17th in the world when it comes to their math and science education,” explains Dr. Robert Pierce who has helped Kensbock implement the program, “And personally I think it is socially irresponsible to think that is OK.”

“We all understand the funding difficulties that exist in our school district, but that is not the only problem,” Kensbock says, “Most kids do not really understand how math and science are used in a professional environment. Medicine and surgery are certainly excellent examples of the application of these subjects and veterinary medicine, as opposed to human medicine, is much more accessible to the public.”

Kensbock worked on the development and implementation of similar programs for over 3 years before moving to Sandpoint. She and Pierce recently escorted a group of 20 home-schoolers from the Idaho Virtual Academy through various stations which displayed digital X-ray images, common internal and external parasites, and various microscope slides of tissues. The children learned to check their oxygen levels and to listen and count their heart beats and determine their heart rates.

The students were then taken on a tour of the facility where they visited the examination rooms, the surgical suite and where they were able to watch an animal who was undergoing a professional dental cleaning and dental X-rays.

“We are not attempting to inspire kids to become veterinary medical doctors,” explains Pierce, “But rather, we want to show them how fun and exciting learning about science really is. Seeing digital X-rays of a bald eagle with a broken wing or watching a little dog's teeth being cleaned leads to a better understanding of their own health and shows them how similar and connected we all are.”

The program is available for local educators who would like to supplement their students math or science education with a visit to the hospital. These visits can be custom designed for any age or level of education by contacting Michelle Kensbock at North Idaho Animal Hospital (208) 265-5700 or by e-mail.

As with any educational project, there is always great need and little money. Donations are greatly appreciated and encouraged. Any community member wishing to become involved – setting up a 501c3 corporation for example – would be a dream come true. We need the help of those not necessarily trained in science, but knowledgeable in education, organization of projects, securing of money, and operation of non-profit corporations.

Please contact us if you can help.