Science Night at Thomas Edison Charter Academy (TECA)

Event Description:

All the students will have the opportunity to rotate through four activity and experimental stations after a presentation about brain function and brain health, by Dr. Verónica Martínez Cerdeño, CEO of The Ventricular Foundation. Students are encouraged to ask questions throughout the visit.

The first station featured real brain tissue from and various animals like cow, sheep, and pig brains. Students also had the opportunity to see human brain tissue. The function of the brain and parts of the brain were explained, and students had the opportunity to put on gloves and handle specimens if they wanted to.

The second station included a microscope in which all the students were able to examine mice neurons and brain tissue. This station featured a large neuron model with moving pieces. There was also a short presentation on “The Day in the Life of a Neuroscientist” in which photos of the laboratory were shown and methods were discussed.

The third station tested students on the Stroop Color and Word Test. This test requires the students to perform a less automated task (ie. naming ink color) while inhibiting interference arising from a more automated task (ie. reading the word). This station also used featured a Backyard Brain kit called Human-human Interface in which students learned how the brain sends electrical impulses to arm muscles.

The fourth station was devoted to creating brain models from Play-Doh. The differences between the right and left part of the of the brain was discussed. Students learned more about the cerebellum, and had fun talking about brain facts and myths.