We are in awe of our volunteers!
EIGHTEEN undergraduates (!) traveled to Buckman Elementary this week to talk research, hold brains and make neuro-art with kids and families at STEAM Night!
STEAM Night at Buckman, an arts-focused Portland Public School, was organized by Becca Beckman of Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN), a program of Multnomah County providing services for youth, families and community members…
We’ve often collaborated with SUN, and in fact, began our adventures in arts-integrated neuroscience outreach through a SUN-sponsored program we piloted at Sabin in 2012…
LEARN MORE: What is NW Noggin?
LEARN MORE: NW Noggin Collaborators
Becca heard our recent interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting‘s Think Out Loud program, and immediately reached out. We were thrilled to join her and answer questions from steady crowds of elementary students and their families, as we crafted brain cells, explored the electrical nature of neural communication, and closely examined human and other animal cerebrums…
LEARN MORE: OPB’s Think Out Loud: Combining Neuroscience & Art
Donating their valuable time, effort and expertise were Aaron Eisen, Mary Lerner, Thomas Rounds, Jose Perez Quinchuela, Nathali May, Emily Carl, Isidro Chan, Jason Blume, Phillip Bouleh, Kelsey Payne, Keys Le, Robby Heiberg, Greyson Moore, Michael Deveney and Cam Howard from Portland State University, Ashley Navarro from Mount Hood Community College, Veronika Lobova from WSUV, and Joey Seuferling from NW Noggin…
“What causes epilepsy? Can I do anything to grow my brain? Are more brains cells always better than fewer? How does memory work? What part of the brain changes when I go to sleep? How do neuroscientists know which parts of the brain are active? I’ve heard that exercise is good for my brain – but how does it make things better?”
LEARN MORE: How can you change your brain?
LEARN MORE: Epilepsy Information Page
LEARN MORE: Soup for Brains!
LEARN MORE: White Matter on Wy’East
LEARN MORE: Myelination @ Madison
LEARN MORE: A Zombie Feast: Imaging Brains @ Velo!
LEARN MORE: A Life-Long Approach to Physical Activity for Brain Health
The Human to Human Interface from Backyard Brains was VERY popular, as always..!
LEARN MORE: Brain Hacking is Electric!
And while our piles of pipe cleaners have diminished a bit after Brain Fair, and Brain Awareness Week, there were beautiful neurons under construction at Buckman..!
LEARN MORE: STEAM ART PROJECTS
And our collection of extraordinary cerebral specimens continues to grow. Thanks to some extensive (and ongoing) research by artist and PSU undergraduate Darrin Lane, we shared some compelling coronal brain slices in acrylic resin!
Watch this space: Darrin will have details on how he did this soon…
From PSU undergraduate and NIH BUILD EXITO scholar Nathali May: “My Noggin experience at Buckman was really exciting and memorable. I was able to interact with very smart kids who were excited to learn more about the brain. I had an amazing time, and I truly believe that this sort of outreach is very important for youth, It is important to learn all the great things our brain provides and does for us at a young age. It was a pleasure to volunteer and learn new things as well!”
From PSU undergraduate Thomas Rounds: “As a first time volunteer for Noggin, having the opportunity to communicate neuroscience to the students of Buckman Elementary was an incredible experience. There is nothing quite like seeing kids faces light up at seeing and holding a real human brain, watching their friends arms being controlled by electricity, or creating their own representations of neurons with pipe cleaners. I’m proud to have been part of helping others learn more about the brain, but on a personal level, I’ve also been inspired to deepen my own understanding to become a better science communicator. I’m so excited to join NW Noggin again with more knowledge to share with others, and so appreciative of the community of students, artists, and academics that Bill and Jeff have brought together to share their excitement and enthusiasm with others!”
From Becca at Buckman SUN: “A massive thank you to you all! This booth was clearly the fan favorite this year!”
“STEAM night in general was such a success but NW Noggin was definitely a highlight for a lot of students and families. Parents have come to me expressing their gratitude for exposing their kiddos to new and interesting topics.”
“Families really enjoyed the hands-on learning you provided…”
“This is my first year at Buckman but I certainly do not think that the school has had this kind of interactive experience with the brain!”
“I really hope we can continue to work together in the future. Y’all are doing some fascinating work!”
“‘Miss Becca, I touched a brain!’ was the highlight of my evening.”
We’d love to return! We’re big believers in walking our #scitalk, and getting outside the classroom, conference and lab.
Thank you Becca and the families at Buckman Elementary – and HUGE thanks to our awesome volunteers – for an exciting night of questions, exploration and art!
