Event(s) Summary
Number of Events Organized During Brain Awareness Week:
2
Year:
2019
Type of Events Held:
- Exhibit
- Other
- Workshop
- Other: First Brain Bee competition in Ireland
Target Audiences:
- High School students(9-12)
Approximate Number of People Reached:
450
Details of Major Brain Awareness Week Events/Activities:
As part of the international Brain Awareness Week, staff and students of NUI Galway’s Neuroscience Centre held a public information exhibit ‘My Amazing Brain’ on Tuesday 12th March 2019 in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway. Over 450 transition year school children (approx 14 – 15 years old) from local schools visited the exhibit to learn more about how the brain and nervous system work. Approximately 50 school children explored the exhibit every hour during the event, which consisted of interactive displays where they learned about the brain in a hands-on way. There were stations exploring how neurones work, brain cell histology using microscopy, colour perception, optical illusions, spatial memory, brain evolution, mirror writing, brain waves using EEG and hand-eye coordination using our rotary pursuit equipment. There was also lots of general information and a quiz for the students to complete about the brain and brain disorders. On display was a series of large information posters prepared by the staff and postgraduate students of NUI Galway Neuroscience Centre. The posters cover a variety of illnesses including: Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Stroke, Brain injury and Spinal cord injury. Attached are photos of some of the attendees enjoying the exhibit. This year, we also ran a second event on March 12th. This evening event was the first Brain Bee Competition held in Ireland. Transition year school children (approx 14 – 15 years old) from three local schools participated in the competition, and a great evening was had by all. Attached are photos from the event. We hope to make this an annual event in Galway – bigger and better next year!
Event Planning & Publicity
Publicity Methods Used:
- Calendar Listings (newspapers, radio, television)
- Emails
- Press Release/Media Advisory
- Social Media
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:
- Brain-shaped Erasers
- The Mindboggling Workbook
Other Dana Foundation Materials Distributed:
- We have to purchase the brain erasers ourselves as we are not in USA
What other downloadable materials would you like the Foundation to provide?
- New Fact Sheets
Which BAW graphic materials did you use in publicizing your events?
- BAW Logos
Feedback & Keys to Success
How do you feel BAW participation benefited your organization and the local community?
Annual neuroscience outreach event well embedded in local school schedules
Please share any suggestions or lessons learned that may help others plan future events:
First attempt at Brain Bee competition was moderately successful with plenty of room for improvement and enhancement, through the experience this year
Did/do you like our Facebook page?
No
