WSU to Teach Children About Importance of Brain Health

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University psychology students will spend spring break, March 6-10, providing 1,500 children a hands-on learning experience emphasizing brain health and safety.

Now in its 15th year, Brain Awareness Week involves elementary, middle and high school students in activities such as assembling pipe-cleaner neurons, dissecting sheep brains and wearing beer goggles to demonstrate the disabling effects of alcohol.

WSU psychology student Jake Ombach
shows the intricacies of a sheep brain.

Weber State volunteers will present at schools in Weber, Davis, Morgan and Box Elder counties. Schools can request a Brain Awareness Week presentation by filling out an online form at weber.edu/neuroscience/Contact.html.

This year, thanks to a Hall Foundation grant, the program is expanding to Title I schools, after-school programs and Spanish-immersion programs.

“Prior to receiving Hall Foundation funding, we reached about 300-500 kids a year. Now our program reaches more than 1,500 kids a year, and we are growing,” said Lauren Fowler, WSU neuroscience program director and psychology professor. “Being able to go into Spanish-immersion programs is a wonderful opportunity. Our students will give the presentations entirely in Spanish.”

Over the past 15 years, 10,000 students from preschool to high school have participated in Brain Awareness Week.

Not only does the week provide education for students in the community, but it also provides more than 30 WSU students experience in leadership, teaching, volunteering and community involvement.

 “I love participating in Brain Awareness Week,” said psychology student Lauren Homer. “I am able to apply what I’m learning in WSU classrooms to the eager minds of young students. It is wonderful when you see their faces light up when they understand what the brain is capable of.”

Homer said educating the youth on brain health and safety is important. “Brain Awareness Week is all about providing children and youth a fun environment where they learn that science and continuing education is important and applicable to their lives.”

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

For more photos, visit the following link:

https://wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Colleges-and-Departments/Social-and-Behavioral-Sciences/Brain-Awareness-Week

Author:

Ashley Hilton, Marketing & Communications
801-626-6548 • ashleyhilton1@weber.edu

Contact:

Lauren Fowler, Neuroscience program director
801-626-7620 • lfowler@weber.edu