Baker Lake (Oct 06/04) - Baker Lake students pulled on rubber gloves and reached into a series of jars recently, pulling out the brains of fish, owls and even humans for inspection.

Despite the grossness of the exercise, their curiosity won out, said Rachel Arngnammaktiq teacher Jennifer Sheldon.

The Grade 4-5 students, along with Grade 9 students from Jonah Amitnaaq school, were at a presentation called Brain Day.

Sheldon and teacher Taras Humen arranged for neuroscientists Bill Newsome and Brie Linkenhoker to visit Sept. 17 with their entourage of bottled organs.

The California program is usually limited to that state, but the Baker Lake teachers managed to bring the Stanford University scientists North with their air miles.

"It's quite a unique experience for anywhere, not just the North," said Sheldon.

The excitement on students' faces was palpable, as Newsome and Linkenhoker pointed out the functions of different parts of the brain, showing how animals differed from humans.

"They get excited about science and talk about pursuing it," said Sheldon of the student's reactions.

"The students here are great because they are very curious. They love meeting scientists and seeing the brains," she said.

The fish brain stood out for many due to its size. The organ is only as big as the head of a pin.

The human brain excited many as well, surprising students with its largeness, said Sheldon.

The two teachers hope the visit isn't a one-time event. They aren't sure if they have enough air miles to bring the team North again next year, though they will try.