Dr Tim Viney brought a microscope with slides and specimens for visitors to look at stained neurons and draw their own. There was a constant source of interest in putting on prism glasses to see the world the right way up while attempting to walk or throw a ball. A table of laminated visual illusions brought constant interest from all ages, as well as a brain game challenging short and long-term memory. Another popular activity demonstrated how brain waves can be picked up by an EEG headset when a person is focusing, thus controlling an air stream to lift and lower a foam ball. Interest was brought to our creative ‘build-a-brain’ table with models of different animal brains alongside 3D printed life-sized brains from a cheetah, cat and mouse produced by Dr Lora Martucci.
Visitors used postcards developed by Dr Lizzie Burns to build onto or colour-in drawings of the brain to bring home together with information on our department. Large paintings of a giant eye looking down a microscope and fluorescent cells on black material gave a theatrical edge to our ‘Amazing Brain’ activities. Drop-in activities brought constant interaction and conversation, with comments including "brilliant interactive ideas - learnt lots!" and "this makes my brain hurt".
Our thanks to everyone who took part in planning and carrying out the activities. All contributed to make this event such a success:
Dr Lizzie Burns (team leader)
Academics: Dr Tim Viney, Dr Barbara Zonta
DPhils and Postdocs: Dr Lora Martucci, Dr Yuki Sakai, Aishwarya Vedula
MSc Students : Tibyan Babiker, Xiaoyu Fan, Michal Halicki, Soraya Saghbini,
Teaching assistant: Ms Rizwana Rashid
If you are interested in taking part in future outreach events please contact Dr Lizzie Burns or Dr Barbara Zonta.