UHS students viewed a videoconference live from Mozambique about the training of rats to sniff out landmines. According to Global Nomads, the group hosting the conference, "It is estimated that more than 110 million active mines are scattered in 70 countries with an equal number stockpiled around the world waiting to be planted. " The conference was broadcast from a training field for the rats and students were able to see them find mines and alert their trainers. The handlers stood on either side of the field with a wire between them along which the rats ran. This searched the field in a grid pattern.
One concern that students had was for the safety of the rats. They were assured that the rats are too light to detonate the mines. Another question asked what they do when the mine field does not lend itself to the technique demonstrated. They learned that the handlers have a different method that resembles a fishing pole.