All Ages Can Become “Brainiacs” @ Miami Science Museum
Saturday, 03/23/2013, 10:00 am – 04:00 pm
Miami Museum of Science
3280 South Miami Avenue,
Miami, Florida 33129
Webpage Link

Sponsored by the University of Miami, the Brain Fair at Miami Science Museum is a free, educational event designed to teach children and their parents about how the brain functions and the fascinating discoveries being made in the field of neuroscience.

Children can participate in fun, hands-on learning activities including:
•Brain anatomy – build a neuron from clay, brain puzzles
•Brain models of difference species – match the brain to the animal
•Visual system – explore visual illusions
•Sheep brain dissections – handle a sheep brain with a glove and dissect with a plastic knife
•SpikerBox – demonstrates how neurons work by sending electrical impulses
•Foods for Thought – explains how foods contribute to neurological functioning
•Reflexes – teaches how reflexes work
•Action potentials – demonstrates how neurons use electricity and memories are facilitated by context
•Supertaster and Taste – count how many taste buds on the tongue; model of tongue, taste buds; taste a jelly bean with or without the nose closed
•Spinal cord injury – build a simple vertebral column and spinal cord to demonstrate the need for protection
•WalkSafe, BikeSafe, SkateSafe – teaches methods of safe street crossing practice, how the brain needs protection from injury
•Pediatrics and FAAST iPad learning programs
•Mind games and brain teasers
•Sebastian the Ibis

Additional fun activities will include face painting, “Brain Minders” puppet shows about how the brain works, a science video and a coloring/storytelling area. Free bike helmets will be given away and free bike helmet fittings will be available at the Pilot Club of Miami table.

When they arrive, participants will receive a Brain Passport, which will be stamped at each exhibit once they complete one of its activities. Upon completion of all activities, children will receive a pencil and brain eraser, and one ticket for a raffle to win a $10 iTunes card.

The event will also include lectures for adults given by University of Miami neuroscientists on topics such as which apps are best for grow.

The Miami Brain Bee, open to high school students grades 9-12, is similar to a spelling bee, except that it tests knowledge of the brain. Winners will receive cash prizes. Registration is necessary for participation in the Miami Brain Bee.

Brain Fair sponsors are Miami Science Museum, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Pilot Club of Miami, Society for Neuroscience Miami Chapter, University of Miami Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, Brain Awareness Week, Kidz Neuroscience Center, Nova Southeastern University Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, St. Thomas University School of Science Technology & Engineering Management, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami Neuroscience Center at Larkin, Mailman Center for Child Development Department of Pediatrics, Barry University, Larkin Community Hospital, and FAAST (Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology).