UNE Neuroscience completes successful year of K-12 outreach activities
The University of New England’s Center of Excellence in the Neurosciences completed its final K-12 outreach sessions for the 2011-2012 academic year. On June 4th, UNE hosted 90 sixth graders from the Massabesic middle school. The morning events included four different modules that connected brain anatomy with lessons on helmet safety, concussions, and prevention of brain injuries. The students had lunch in the Cafeteria with UNE faculty, staff and students before walking over to the Marine Science Center.
The kids were greeted by James Sulikowski, Ph.D., and his staff and learned more about the marine organisms in the gulf of Maine including sharks, skates and seals. The students were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the day, with many of them asking when they could visit again.
On June 8th, Michael Burman, Ph.D. and Edward Bilsky, Ph.D. led a group of faculty, staff and students to Biddeford High School to direct various activities in a sophomore biology class. The students participated in various activities involving human brain anatomy, sheep brain dissections, helmet safety, and neurological disorders. The sessions culminated with a viewing of a video made in collaboration with the Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Foundation that highlighted the fragility of the human brain and the need to protect it from injury.
One of the founding principles of the CEN is to raise awareness of brain injury and neurological disorders, while also building excitement for the study of neuroscience. Through its outreach activities, the center designs fun and educational activities that educate students of all ages and encourages them apply the sciences to real life situations.
Over the past academic year, the CEN came in contact with over 1,500 students from seven public schools in York and Cumberland counties. The Center has grown substantially in strength since it was founded, and has reached nearly three times the number of students this year compared to 2010-2011.
To learn more about the CEN please visit our website.