Neuroscience at University of Nevada Reno

The majority of our presentations were scheduled with local schools. We had a different presentation depending upon age group. K-8 we often did many grades/classes in one stop. High school visits were usually to one or two science classes. Our major target is the general community, who we reach via presentations at the local libraries. In all cases, the presenters are a combination of senior undergraduates and graduate students. Some post-docs and faculty participate in special circumstances (judging science fair or Brain Bee). We have a acquired a large collection of demonstration material and let the presenters choose what they are comfortable using. This year we also developed a standard presentation .ppt which was available if anyone wanted to use. We highly encourage chalk talks, using white boards and the demonstration material rather then presenting a lecture. We have access to human brains, which are always the highlight of each talk. Our goal is to inspire curiosity, encourage questions and thoughts, make neuroscience accessible to the entire audience, and leave the audience with more information than they had before the talk. Our students are expected to prepare an outline of their presentation as well as practice with the materials. We used a google.doc to keep track of the presenters and presentations as welll as the material as it had to move between all the groups. This year was the most complicated yet, as we had a couple of different organizers, so really needed to have good communication so we did not overcommit or miss something. We also ask the students to give us feedback on their experience as presenters. This is very valuable, as the students realize the value for themselves.

We always get wonderful feedback from after our visits. Most importantly to me, is the feedback that I get from our presenters. They really feel good about the experience and the chance to share their knowledge with their community. We always get asked to return. In one case this year, the teachers have asked for a workshop for them, so they can better incorporate neuroscience/brain into their lessons.

1) Strongly encourage presenters to practice before the event. 2) Have a guideline of brain facts, activities, common questions for each grade level. 3) Start planning well in advance and make a schedule, including presenters names, location, contact at location, and any other special information 4) Pair inexperienced presenters with experienced presenters 5) Ask teachers what the students already know and if there is a specific topic they would like to have presented. 6) Avoid powerpoint lectures, instead engage the audience by drawing, asking questions, doing demonstrations 7) Remember– use language that is understood by audience; don’t revert to your 2 min project description…. too much science will lose the audience. 8) Have a max of 3 main points to make, then you will have time for questions and interaction.

I did not know about the facebook page. I was not not a fan, just didn’t know about it until right now.