How do you attract students to the field of laboratory science? The University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) answered that question by creating a DVD-based game that highlights the many professions in a public health laboratory, and the associated academic and training requirements.

The new game, "Did You See That?: Pathways to a Career in the Public Health Laboratory," combines video footage of UHL staff discussing their jobs, and a series of related science trivia questions. Players answer the questions to advance on a game board that leads to a wide variety of careers in the public health laboratory. The game is intended for students in middle school, high school and college.

The Association of Schools of Public Health estimates that by 2020 there will be 250,000 job vacancies in the public health sector of the United States.

"Playing the game is a fun way for people to learn about science and possible careers in public health," said UHL Director Christopher Atchison. "It is one step toward ensuring that the future needs of the public health workforce are met."

Created in conjunction with Iowa's Upper Midwest Public Health Training Center, "Did You See That?" was funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Agreement Number #U60/CD303019) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

"Most students know about science generally, but they don't know about public health laboratories," said Beth Hochstedler, UHL education and outreach coordinator. "We wanted to show them specific pathways for a career in public health laboratories. "

"Did You See That?" can be downloaded from the education section of the UHL website (www.uhl.uiowa.edu). Video segments also are available on YouTube.

Hard copies of the game will be distributed to the National Association of Biology Teachers, and through other national and state organizations. Local schools and teachers interested in this game may contact Beth Hochstedler at 319-335-4303 or beth-hochstedler@uiowa.edu. Free copies will be available for teachers, guidance counselors and college advisors.

The contents of the game are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessary represent the official views of the CDC.