Free and open to the public, the annual family-friendly event invites Rhode Islanders to learn about brain science through interactive stations, creative art projects, lively games and engaging lighting talks.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - Curious minds of all ages are welcome to explore the wonders of the human brain at the 2024 Brown Brain Fair.
Held on Saturday, March 16, at Brown University, the free, family-friendly event will offer Rhode Islanders the chance to learn about neuroscience and brain health through games, interactive demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.
Led by University students, including the Brown Brain Bee student group, in partnership with Brown's Carney Institute for Brain Science, the Brown Brain Fair will bring scientists and volunteers from more than 25 University laboratories and centers together with local health care and community organizations for a full day of brain science fun.
Organizers, including neuroscience graduate student Alice Lin design the event each year to welcome local community members to campus to learn about the inner workings of the human brain and the numerous neuroscience discoveries made by leading research, health care and educational organizations in the state.
"With the Brown Brain Fair, we hope participants have a chance to not only learn a new insight into how their brain works, but also gain an understanding of the groundbreaking research being conducted right here on campus - a place many may walk by every day, perhaps without realizing the discoveries within these buildings," Lin said.
Visitors can delve into the mysteries and intricacies of the brain across more than 40 brain-themed stations, where they can touch a preserved human brain, measure their brain's electrical activity, try on virtual reality goggles, control a state-of-the-art robotic arm and examine neurons under a microscope, among other exhibits.
One of the key aims of the fair is to ensure the interactive stations are engaging and exciting for kids and teens, said Lin.
"By participating in hands-on activities such as crafting 'brain hats,' tackling interactive puzzles or taking part in memory-testing games, we hope to introduce kids to the exciting world of neuroscience," Lin said. "Ultimately, we hope to foster a sense of curiosity among kids that might open the door to a potential interest in STEM, research or engineering."
