The University of Tennessee at Martin

Five learning stations were located in various locations in the facility. Twenty-one students, faculty, and staff from UT Martin worked at the stations and introduced participants to information at the stations and assisted in activities. The stations included: 1. Welcome and General Information — brain stress balls, pencils*, and erasers* — current research, brain teasers/ games, and facts on brain aging, development, learning/ memory, and diseases/disorders* *Supplied by Dana Foundation 2. Brain cells — microscope slide of ox motor neuron projected on a screen — cartoon of neuron and crayons for coloring — making fuzzy stick neurons 3. Touching Brains — Sheep brain models and specimens for display of brain anatomy — Sagittal and coronal sections and whole brains for participants to view, hold, and touch as they desired – Gloves and safety goggles were provided 4. Sensing/ Perception — Blind spot activity — Functional brain model — Visual illusions — Testing the sensation of smell with various odors presented in opaque containers — 2 point discrimination (fine touch) test 5. Brain/ spinal cord safety — Brain and skull and spinal cord in spinal column models — bike helmet — brain “goo” to demonstrate consistency of brain matter — impairment goggles to demonstrate effect of alcohol and drugs on brain function Objectives: 1.) Increase general knowledge of the structure and function of the human brain 2.) Increase understanding of brain disorders and brain safety 3.) Increase interest in the brain, neuroscience, and science in general 4.) Improve communication skills and provide outreach/ community service opportunities for university students Objectives were achieved.

BAW provides this rural area with exposure to neuroscience. The university students benefitted from an opportunity to teach others about the information they learn in their psychology and biology classrooms.

We should include more activities for very young kids — 2-4 years.

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