Utah State University

Although we had scheduled and planned four separate Brain Awareness events, we were only able to complete one before covid-19-related cancelations were put in place. The four we had planned included: 1) an after-school program for a local group of immigrant kids (middle school aged, ~25 students), 2) an evening activity at a seniors home, 3) a booth at a local elementary school “STEAM” night (200-400 children+parents/general public), and 4) a booth at a university science outreach event (~300 people; general public). The one that we were able to do was the STEAM night at the local elementary school. I organized a team of 5 people, including myself (faculty member), two undergrads, and two neuroscience PhD students. We brought two fixed human brains to show, the Dana Foundation materials to pass out, and two Sensation & Perception activities that demonstrate various aspects of brain function.

I was able to work with undergrads and grad students to help connect them to science outreach opportunities, which will look good on their resumes and help increase their own knowledge of their career interests and priorities by giving them experience with science education and public engagement. The individual attendees to our event seemed to be challenged and entertained by our activities/presentations and really seemed to enjoy thinking critically about neuroscience content.