Chemistry class explores modern healing at hospital

By Larissa Marceau

Learning about science went far beyond the classroom last Thursday when Kathie Ackerlyís chemistry classes learned about radiation at an informational talk at The Summit and a tour of Kalispell Regional Hospital.

ìIt was very informational and I learned a lot,î said junior Kara Knoll. ìYou actually got to see cancer instead of just hearing about it.î

For the past few weeks, Ackerlyís classes have been studying radiation by working on such activities as performing radon tests. This field trip allowed students to see real life-positive uses of radiation.

ìThe field trip gave me a better understanding of how serious cancer is,î said sophomore Lindsey Judge. ìIt showed how radiation can help.î

The chemistry students heard Dr. Barbara Gutschenritter speak about cancer at the Summit. Gutschenritter is a cancer specialist and who works with radiation. She also told the class about causes of the cancer.

ìAfter being in a cancer center day in and day out, I can tell you 50 percent of the cancer patients are cigarette related,î said Gutschenritter. ìIf I could make someone make the decision not to touch the stuff this hour has been totally worth my while.î

The students went to go to the hospital, where they saw a firsthand look at radiation uses. They saw the machines using radiation as a cancer treatment.

ìIf you have cancer, radiation can help you,î said junior A.J. Willits. ìIt can save your life with all the technology available.î

Students were grateful for a chance to get out of the classroom environment. Students said the trip proved to be highly educational in learning practical uses for chemistry.

ìWe went to get a better idea of how radiation is used,î said junior Luke Van Helden. ìI really enjoyed learning all the fundamentals about medical technology going on.î