ASK A BRAIN SCIENTIST

What to expect?

In these free sessions, Prof. Fumiko Hoeft engaged with children about the intricacies of the brain. Children (and parents!) will learn about brain science on everyday topics, ask questions they might have, and get a glimpse into how research is done by a scientist.

For kids aged 8-13, but anyone with a child’s heart for learning is welcome!

Each session can stand on its own.

The sessions were made between December and March 2021.

INSTRUCTORS

Fumiko Hoeft

MD PhD

Prof. Hoeft (say it like HAY-FT) conducts brain research on how children learn (in particular how to read), how the brains of dyslexics work, and the importance of social and emotional aspects when learning. She is a physician and neuroscientist at UConn, UCSF, and Haskins Global Literacy Hub (affiliated with Yale and UConn), and directs a brain imaging center.

Nathan Lautz

UConn

Megan Chiovaro

UConn

  

SESSIONS

1. All about the dyslexic brain!

In honor of the #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth

2. What does a brain do and how do we study it?

Brain 101

3. Why should I see the glass as half full?

The science of optimism

4. Is screen time really bad for my brain?

The science of the use of technology

5. What does the brain have to do with Black Live Matters?

Stereotyping and how it impacts us

6. Why do I get tricked by magicians?

The science of illusion and attention

7. My parents tell me to get more sleep. Do I really need more sleep?

The science of sleep and memory

8. My teachers tell me to focus in class and not multitask. Why?

The science of distraction and attention

9. Final session

Recap and future ideas

Now she is influenced so much by "Ask a Scientist" and wants to be a neuroscientist!

I really liked getting to wear my pajamas and brining my stuffed animal. I liked learning that sleep is important. The eraser activity that showed how the brain cleans itself was great.

My child especially enjoyed doing the brain project. My child struggles to read, and lacks confidence because of it (but has many gifts to share). The opportunity to share the project was a positive and unique experience. … Thank you again for giving so many children the opportunity to learn from home and shine in your series of lessons. (I found them quite interesting myself!) The time and expertise you put into the class was truly appreciated.

I would give this topic class a 10 on the rating if I could! I loved how we got to share our magic tricks. I also loved how Dr. Fumiko dressed up with her magician hat

I really like how Dr. Fumiko dresses up to go along with each topic. It's so much fun to see her!

Register to get the password and watch all the sessions for free!

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Register here to watch the sessions!

Registration will automatically enroll the email  address provided in the Haskins Global Literacy Hub Newsletter. 

Registration will automatically enroll the email  address provided in the Haskins Global Literacy Hub Newsletter. 

Recordings

If you cannot attend the sessions in person but would to receive access to the recordings, please register here.

Registration will automatically enroll the email  address provided in the Haskins Global Literacy Hub Newsletter. 

Click here

Honors' projects winners

Concluding the Ask a Brain Scientist series, participants sent the team videos combining neuroscience and puppetry! Here are our 5 favorites! 

Grand Winner

Emmaline

Second Place

Christian

Third Place

Mary

Honorary mentions

Liam

Ella

For more fun illustrations, please check out Rebecca Lin’s Instagram @toongirly

Contact us for any queries

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