This past summer, we worked with teachers and educators during a number of workshops to help empower them to bring DIY Neuroscience to their classrooms. One workshop, hosted by one of our colleagues at University of Chicago, brought Backyard Brains tools and training to 7th grade teachers in the Chicago area.
Taken from the National Center of Brain Mapping Site (who helped make this training possible!):
“Hands-on Training : During this fun four-day workshop, middle school teachers will learn a hands-on, inquiry based curriculum all about sensing and the brain. Teachers will work in collaborative teams and have opportunities to adapt activities to their unique classroom environments. The curriculum is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Engaging University of Chicago scientists will present basic “Neuroscience 101” instruction as well as hot new topics in neuroscience research.”
To learn more about the event, you can read about it on the NCBM website here.
The workshop was a huge success! The participants learned a lot about Neuroscience AND how to teach neuroscience, walking away with a set of tools and pedagogical strategies to bring this fascinating content to their classrooms.
Stephanie and Kelly, the two principal organizers, documented much of the journey with their teachers on Twitter. Check out the tweets below to get a taste of the action!
What a fantastic event! The teachers reported back that it was a very valuable experience. Be on the lookout as we work in the future to bring the materials offered in this training online, making it accessible to everyone!