Event(s) Summary
Number of Events Organized During Brain Awareness Week:
1
Year:
2019
Type of Events Held:
- Other
- Other: After-school community group program
Target Audiences:
- Middle school students(6-8)
Approximate Number of People Reached:
40
Details of Major Brain Awareness Week Events/Activities:
Our event took place in a community center that has regular after-school meetings with participants ages 10-13. The kids were split into groups and rotated through two activity “stations”. The first station consisted of a physical neuronal communication activity. Participants each played individual roles representing parts of an axon, neurotransmitters, or enzymes, to simulate the “jobs” of each and how they affect neuron communication. Three axon participants passed a toy brain one by one down a line, which was then passed to the neurotransmitter participants, who had to run past the enzyme participants with the brain while passing to each other (enzymes outnumbered neurotransmitters by one), to put the brain in a bucket, causing an “action potential”). If an action potential was achieved faster than the competing neuron team running simultaneously, that team got a point. This was repeated until participants got to play a role as each different function. The second station allowed participants to touch and hold sheep brains. The different regions were pointed out by the activity mentors using a guide sheet. Participants were given free time to ask questions about specific parts, or whatever else came to mind. Overall, the participants really enjoyed the activities and we are excited to host an event again next year!
Event Planning & Publicity
Publicity Methods Used:
- Emails
- Posters/Flyers
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:
- BAW Stickers
- BAW Pencils
- Brain-shaped Erasers
What downloadable materials from the Foundation did you use for your events?
- Lesson Plans Grades 6-8
What other downloadable materials would you like the Foundation to provide?
- New Lesson Plans
- Activities/Experiments
Which BAW graphic materials did you use in publicizing your events?
- BAW Logos
- BAW Web site banner
Feedback & Keys to Success
How do you feel BAW participation benefited your organization and the local community?
The participants really enjoy the event and can’t wait to tell their friends and family about it.
Did/do you like our Facebook page?
No
Was the information provided on Facebook useful?
N/A
