Post by Albert Shiue, undergraduate at Portland State University
“Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.”
― Susan Sontag
From the perspective of a PSU student with career interests in neuroscience research, it was a fantastic atmosphere at Booth 5 last Friday night!
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This was the second year of Sciencepalooza, a well-attended community celebration of science and art at Lewis Elementary School, a Portland Public School in Southwest Portland. Our Noggin booth was mobbed!
Susan Rosenkranz, a medical anthropologist, graphic designer and Lewis parent created this popular PTA sponsored event featuring STEAM based activities for parents and kids to explore together. Brains included!
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I was joined by a host of fellow volunteers, including Danny Leister-Gray, Noemi Martinez, Jordan Ray, Drew Sinclair, Beth Woodward, Bailey Etter, Rebekah Obradovich, Greyson Moore and Nuno Busch from PSU, Abby Gligor from Legacy Research Institute, and Cora and Kindra Crick!
I think several things I took away most from the evening were…
How valuable it is to continue to connect with children about science through fun and interactive experiences. Most of the little visitors at the event had, if not many things, something that really caught their attention!
And also, how enthusiasm really is contagious!
Rather than being reserved, outward expression of interest can lead those around you to “mirror” you in expression. While it was cool to see this mirroring effect across the table, it was even cooler to see it mirrored behind the table!
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It’s a nice reminder of the subtle impact that each of us can have on others, no matter what position from which we contribute. It also encouraged me to brainstorm and try new ways to engage more effectively with learners of all ages.
Probably my favorite observation was of the wide spectrum of reactions to the real brain touching activity, from kids and parents alike.
While some kids were grossed out, some handled it in business-like fashion… and some parents wouldn’t even dare! 🙂
MORE PICS OF THE EVENT FOUND HERE
Sciencepalooza 2020 photos by Paul Colvin
“Our community so appreciates all of the work you all do. It’s inspiring on many levels.”
― Susan Rosenkranz, Lewis parent and organizer of Sciencepalooza