Post by Raeleen Gilman, Science Teacher at Skyridge Middle School in the Camas School District. NW Noggin volunteers (including a former Skyridge graduate!) have brought brains and art to classrooms here since 2014!
Just last week Robby Heiberg, Darrin Lane, Aaron Eisen and Greyson Moore from Psychology at Portland State University answered great questions about neuroscience research while crafting pipe cleaner neurons with over 275 kids!!
LEARN MORE: How to Make a Pipe Cleaner Neuron
Our Skyridge 6th grade students have had the privilege of having the NW Noggins team volunteer in our classrooms for the past four years…
The experience they provide is one that would not be possible without this program. They are a huge asset to enhancing the curriculum we provide about the brain, neurons, growth mindset and cells!
LEARN MORE: The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation
LEARN MORE: Growth mindset tempers the effects of poverty on academic achievement
The chance to ask questions about brain research and so many related topics they want to understand builds up intrinsic motivation. This hands-on opportunity also allows students to hold and examine the real brains of animals and human – it’s an invaluable experience!
The NW Noggin visit is talked about years after our students move on to upper grades which is a testament to the impact and worth of these welcome volunteers!
It gives students knowledge and memories which keep them getting excited about brain research and how their bodies and minds work together. It’s an opportunity that all students should be lucky enough to experience. ~ Sixth Grade Science Team Skyridge Middle School
“They were the best ‘brain scientists’ I’ve ever met. I would recommend them to other schools. They were the best!” ~ Sarah
“I loved touching the brains and making neurons. It was helpful to learn that you can donate your body to science and it was also helpful to review about the brain and neurons. Thank you for coming in! Touching the brains was so cool and I’ll probably never get to the experience that again. Thank you so much!” ~ Lauryn
“I would like to thank you so much for coming. I think it was really cool to not only see a real life brain, but to touch it!! I love arts and crafts, so I loved making the neuron.” ~ Esther
“NW Noggins is an awesome experience. It includes activities, fun learning, and a very exciting brain holding. Thank you for coming into our school and giving us this opportunity to do this in 6th grade.” ~ Layla
“My experience was wonderful. I liked the part we saw all the other brain of animals and held a human brain. It was an amazing experience! Thank you for helping us learn about the brain more and reminding us what we had learned.” ~ Tyler
“I enjoyed it very much and thought is was a great time to learn about brains and their functions. Also it was helpful to learn about how you can control things with your mind. Thank you a million times over for coming.” ~ Justus
“The experience with NW Noggins was wonderful. It was a fun science day. We got to learn a lot about all the things the brain can do. It was a great way to refresh our brains! Thank you for your time it was fun.” ~ Brady
“They could answer almost anything you asked them. The brains were really cool! It was cool to see the parts of the brain in real life! Thank you for coming and sharing the amazing wonders of the brain with us it was a once in a lifetime experience.” ~ Claire
