Tick Talk with Middle School Students

Community engagement and memorable experiences with young learners.

Shannon Redbrook, research assistant and community outreach support for the Clarke lab, delivered a 20-minute presentation about ticks in our area to seventh-grade science classes at Cloquet Middle School.

The interactive presentation included identifying the difference between the deer tick, wood tick, and female and male tick. Students explored the life cycle of deer ticks and their common habitats, alongside practical tips for tick bite prevention and preventing Lyme disease. In addition, the talk covered symptoms of Lyme Disease.

After the presentation, students were empowered to create a public service announcement based on the information they had just received. While the students were working on their posters, they circulated and showcased preserved ticks in 70% ethanol, enabling them to see the size and color differences between a wood tick, deer tick, and female and male tick.

This engaging experience was educational and inspiring and will hopefully help prevent Lyme disease in future generations.

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Tick Talk