Science Lessons

Instead of constantly trying to tell adults all the great things we do, we chose to inspire their kids to do it along with us, while benefitting local public schools at the same time.

We created a science kit and curriculum to be distributed among all Utah public schools. Each month would be based on a different topic and each kit would include everything the classroom needed to made the experiments happen. Our first month was pretty close to home – genetics.

Every classroom got a kit featuring a learning pamphlet, an instant camera, and ear cards. We taught about hanging versus attached earlobes, and how that’s one of the most easily seen inherited genetic traits. We did experiments in class with them and then sent kids home with the cards to take pictures of their ears as well as their parents. Shared on Instagram with #momears or #dadears, the experiment taught more than the kids, it let them teach their parents as well.

Backcountry Checkin

Utah Health takes care of you wherever you are. And in a state like Utah, that means WHEREVER you are. To the point that they run all of the emergency helicopters that come rescue you when you need rescuing.

The Backcountry Check-in served to add an extra layer of protection while educating people about what we do. You’d pre-register with a picture, name, age, emergency contacts, etc. and then when you went out into the backcountry you’d mark off a region you’d be visiting and when you’d be back. When you returned safely, the app would simply mark you off as being home, the wonders of GPS.

But if you didn’t return, the info could be forwarded to the local rangers in that area in the event someone turned up injured. All of your information is already there, and the ability to treat someone who might have complications happens faster. It’s like taking marketing money and giving people something they actually want and would be useful AND tells our message. Neat.

Glimpse

Utah Health offers a series of talks called Grand Rounds – where they invite their professors and researchers to present about groundbreaking innovations in all fields. Like TED talks but for people who aren’t just talking about themselves. It’s fascinating, and deserved a wider audience – so we made it more accessible via social media interaction, scheduled online seminars, and easier to decipher design. This site served as an intro to the new look and feel of the overarching Utah Health design language – something which has since permeated the whole university site.