Event(s) Summary
Number of Events Organized During Brain Awareness Week:
2
Year:
2017
Type of Events Held:
- Open House
- School Program
Target Audiences:
- Elementary school students(1-5)
- University students
Approximate Number of People Reached:
110
Details of Major Brain Awareness Week Events/Activities:
Two events were organized. The initial event was an open house hosted by Psi Chi. This event’s goal was to increase awareness of the brain, newly formed neuroscience program at Marygrove, and the Psi Chi organization. This event occurred in a high traffic hallway and attracted approx. 50 visitors. Students worked with the Backyard Brain equipment, watched an instructional video, made brain cookies, and responded to a writing prompt regarding the brain. Those that participated reported high satisfaction with the event along with requesting more information about the aforementioned programs. This program also prompted a secondary open house at the end of May specifically addressing information regarding stress and the brain. The second event was organized by the Beh. Neruo. course and was a site visit to a preschool program in the Berkley School District. Students visited four classes of preschool students (3-5 years) to instruct students about the brain and neuronal communication. Activities included a song/dance about the parts of the brain, labeling the brain based off of functioning, age appropriate instructional books, brain models, and coloring a large brain. This event was also well received by both the university students and children. A return visit was requested by the preschool in May. During the return visit, the preschoolers demonstrated strong retention of the information along with the desire for the university students to elaborate on information. We expect to continue the partnership with the school district and expect to change the program to include more elaborate instruction for the preschool students. Future goals also include developing partnerships with other surrounding school districts.
Event Planning & Publicity
Publicity Methods Used:
- Calendar Listings (newspapers, radio, television)
- Emails
- Posters/Flyers
- Other
Other Publicity Methods:
Announcements during courses
Which of These Publicity Methods Was The Most Successful?
Resources
Of the Dana Foundation publications/resources distributed at your event(s), if any, please indicate the three most popular. Please choose up to three. If "other," please indicate below:
- It’s Mindboggling!
- BAW Stickers
- BAW Pencils and Erasers
What downloadable materials from the Foundation did you use for your events?
- Puzzles: Grades K-2
What other downloadable materials would you like the Foundation to provide?
- New Puzzles/Games
- New Coloring Sheets
Which BAW graphic materials did you use in publicizing your events?
- BAW Flyer
- BAW Logos
- BAW Poster
Feedback & Keys to Success
How do you feel BAW participation benefited your organization and the local community?
The BAW participation has been highly beneficial. Within in the college, interest and enthusiasm has increased within students that had not previously considered neuroscience a possible career choice. The BAW has also been highly beneficial in forging the connection between the the college and a K-12 school district. The preschool students have also developed a more sophisticated understanding of the brain than was previously expected to occur.
Please share any suggestions or lessons learned that may help others plan future events:
Advertise early and often.
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