International Museum of Art & Science

Our target audience was the general public, with hopes that professionals and medical students would turn out. While none of the latter showed, we did see plenty of public members who were engaging with the items on display. Research posters were hung in our main hallway, a reflex testing area was provided, brain specimens and a human skeleton were available for observing, and we had a documentary “Brain Games” about concussions on view with a researcher nearby for engagement. Our main objective was to pass out all of the at-home activity kits that included a hands-on activity and informational booklets about brain conditions. We actually ran out! It was great to see people interesting in learning more and wanting to take things home for their older family members. Due to social distancing being implemented, there was not as much offered this year as we would have liked, but were overall very pleased with the turnout. The best part was watching visitors test their reflexes! This was the one interactive that was available all day and almost all visitors engaged with it.

Our audience is in an area with high rates of brain disease and with the addition of a nearby medical school, interest in neuroscience has increased alongside the need for public information on the aging brain. Being able to inspire further learning for our community and promote local research are two big benefits of participating in BAW. One direct outcome is interest by other research professionals to present their work with our audience.

Having a professional representative on site (such as a professor or researcher) was so helpful! They were able to engage with visitors and further explain processes and impacts in detail. This alleviated pressure from museum educators to be super knowledgeable in the content, and focus on inviting the visitors to participate in other ways.