Anthropology was not the initial plan. She had taken a few electives in anthropology during her studies at the University of Winnipeg, but what really ignited her anthropology career was an archaeological field school course. That was when Jodi Schmidt figured out where she was meant to be. What is it about anthropology she loves? She says it’s “the connections that anthropology allows you to make, both in its interdisciplinary nature, and its ability to shine light on people and their lives in the past.” Now, she’s a lab technician at the University of Winnipeg’s Anthropology Museum.
Passionate about sharing her love of anthropology, Schmidt has volunteered with Science Rendezvous since 2012, an experience she says has always been fun and rewarding. “Science Rendezvous has been a great way to share our knowledge through the collections of the Anthropology Museum,” she says, adding that it is also an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students volunteering with them to experience working with the public. She also loves to “see that spark of curiosity in science enthusiasts of all ages.”
The Anthropology Museum houses collections related to archaeology, ethnography and bioanthropology. Archaeology examines how humans lived in the past by carefully digging in areas where people lived and studying the artifacts they left behind. Ethnography explores individual cultures, and how people behave and interact in all parts of their lives. Bioanthropology is the study of modern human biology and how humans have evolved, or changed through time. The Museum also hosts hands-on and interpretative laboratories, provides access to collections materials for interested students, faculty and researchers and regularly hosts school and community groups.
At Science Rendezvous every year in Manitoba, members of the public can engage in fun and hands-on activities with anthropology in addition to chemistry, physics and other fields of science! Schmidt and the Museum have offered a few different activities at Science Rendezvous in previous years. One activity involved looking at animal remains in archaeology, also called zooarchaeology, and another investigated how humans have evolved by examining some of our ancient ancestors discovered as fossils. Who knew that there are connections between math, origami and anthropology? They also had an activity that explored exactly that!
Despite having to cancel Science Rendezvous this year, Schmidt brings us a fun activity that shows us how opposable thumbs work, and the importance of this trait in human lives both past and present. Make sure to take a look here and stay tuned for even more fun activities like this at next year’s Science Rendezvous on May 8 2021! As Jodi says, “Science Rendezvous is a great way to learn more about the parts of science and anthropology you might already know, and to discover something new and exciting!”
