Delaware Neuroscientist-Teacher Partners

What is the program?
The Neuroscientist-Teacher Partners program brings practicing neuroscientists into K-12 classrooms and events in order to share knowledge and raise interest in the brain and nervous system.  The program, sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience is designed to put K-12 educators in touch with members of the Society who would like to volunteer their time to visit classrooms or participate as judges in events such as science fairs.

Who are the Neuroscientists?      
Neuroscientist partners have PhD or MD degrees or are in the advanced stages of graduate education, and they can give presentations on the research that they do, on what a career in neuroscience is like, or they can speak generally about the brain and nervous system.

What happens in a classroom visit?
The teacher and neuroscientist will work together to determine amount of time that the neuroscientist will spend in the classroom and the content of the visit. There is no charge for the visits, which can last from one hour to ½ day. Longer collaborations over several weeks and months are also possible and encouraged. Depending on the age of the students, the neuroscientists may make a Powerpoint presentation, or they might bring activities for the students to do. Neuroscientists typically do not have much experience teaching younger children, so teachers will need to help the scientists choose appropriate activities for the visit.

What other kinds of activities are possible?
Many neuroscientists would like to be more involved in K-12 education. A neuroscientist partner can also act as a judge for a science fair, assist with or act as an advisor for a classroom science experiment, or take part in other science events in schools.

How do I participate?
K-12 educators are encouraged to contact a Delaware neuroscientist (click here for a list of participating neuroscientists) and invite him or her to visit your class attend a school event or judge a science fair.

Neuroscientists are encouraged to volunteer their time for this important outreach program. Click here to add your name and contact info to the list of participating neuroscientists in Delaware.

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