Neuroscience for Kids - Brain Awareness Week (2002)

University of Washington
Brain Awareness Week - 2002

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is a nationwide effort organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and the Society for Neuroscience to promote the public and personal benefits of brain research. The official week for BAW is March 11-17, 2002, but the whole month of March is filled with activities. Classroom visits, an Open House and library displays made BAW at the University of Washington a real success.

University of Washington BAW Open House

Map of Exhibits

On March 5, 320 students attended the University of Washington Brain Awareness Week Open House (10 am to 1 pm; Health Sciences Bldg., 3rd Floor Lobby).

On arrival to the Open House, each student received a:

BAW button
BAW bag
BAW/Neuroscience for Kids Key Chain
Dana Alliance publications
"Brainy Toys" from Archie McPhee

To start the open house, students attended an interactive, multimedia "Brain Power" assembly produced by the Pacific Science Center/Group Health Cooperative Brain Power Team.

Some students and teachers received gifts (books, pamphlets, brain models, bicycle/ski helmets, gift certificates) donated by: the Cascade Bicycle Club, Fiorini Sports, Science, Art and More and All for Kids.

There were several UW departments and other organizations with interactive exhibits for the students to see. Students were connected to EEG machines for recording of their brain waves (UW Biobehavioral Nursing and EEG and Clinical Neurophysiology) and transcranial Doppler machine to measure their brain blood flow (UW Dept. of Anesthesiology). The UW Department of Biological Structure had a comparative neuroanatomy display and an exhibit to demonstrate how movement is made perfect. The Pacific Science Center/Group Health Cooperative Brain Power Team provided many exhibits that they bring out to schools and had a real human brain for the students to hold. The ThinkFirst! organization, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, DO-IT program, and the Washington Association for Biomedical Research and Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery also provided exhibits.

Open House Activities
Homunculus Hat	Brain Blood Flow
FREE Bike Helmets	Pipe Cleaner Neurons

Student Comments about the Open House

"I enjoyed all the activities I did there. The field trip was very fun and I thought that I learned a lot about brains."

"I don't know why, but most of the kids in my class are wearing their helmets. Now I know more about myself!"

"I learned a lot about the brain today and was very impressed with the assembly."

"My favorite part was the place where you typed your name in Braille. I think it is amazing that blind people can read those bumps. With their fingers!!! I really want to read Braille."

"Thank you for the helmet. I really needed it because I want to keep my brain safe."

Teacher Comments about the Open House

"We just want to thank you for the opportunity! The kids had the time of their lives. The representatives were so friendly and informative. The kids have never been more excited about a science topic. Thank you for making the connection between the university and elementary schools."

"Thanks for providing this opportunity for my students; we had a great time."

BACK TO: Brain Awareness Week 2002

Brain Awareness Week 2001 Brain Awareness Week 2000 Table of Contents

Brain Awareness Week 1999 Brain Awareness Week 1998

Student Comments about the Open House
	"I enjoyed all the activities I did there. The field trip was very fun and I thought that I learned a lot about brains." "I don't know why, but most of the kids in my class are wearing their helmets. Now I know more about myself!" "I learned a lot about the brain today and was very impressed with the assembly." "My favorite part was the place where you typed your name in Braille. I think it is amazing that blind people can read those bumps. With their fingers!!! I really want to read Braille." "Thank you for the helmet. I really needed it because I want to keep my brain safe."

BACK TO:	Brain Awareness Week 2002
	Brain Awareness Week 2001	Brain Awareness Week 2000	Table of Contents
	Brain Awareness Week 1999	Brain Awareness Week 1998