Jessica Frey 1 , Quynh Vo 2 , Joshua Kramer 1 , Violina Melnic 1 , Amelia Adcock 1 Show Affiliations »
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are often underrepresented due to lack of interest or exposure. The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for high school students meant to inspire future leaders in the neurosciences. A regional Brain Bee competition hosted in West Virginia was led by medical students and neurology residents with the goal of increasing high school student interest in the neurosciences. ACTIVITY: The West Virginia Brain Bee competition consisted of a neuroanatomy practical, a written exam, and a clinical assessment. Other fun neuroscience educational activities were also offered to students throughout the competition day. Students were surveyed before and after the competition day. RESULTS: Student interest in pursuing a neuroscience career increased (3.24 to 3.58, p = 0.043), and confidence in neuroscience knowledge increased (2.88 to 3.12, p = 0.036). Qualitative assessment revealed the importance of role models and a supportive environment for student learning. CONCLUSION: The West Virginia Brain Bee increased high school student interest in and confidence of neuroscience knowledge. This competition may be a meaningful way to connect high school students with potential mentors in the neurosciences and may also help foster an interest in pursuing a career in the neurosciences in the future. © International Association of Medical Science Educators 2021.
BACKGROUND: The science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are often underrepresented due to lack of interest or exposure. The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for high school students meant to inspire future leaders in the neurosciences. A regional Brain Bee competition hosted in West Virginia was led by medical students and neurology residents with the goal of increasing high school student interest in the neurosciences. ACTIVITY: The West Virginia Brain Bee competition consisted of a neuroanatomy practical, a written exam, and a clinical assessment. Other fun neuroscience educational activities were also offered to students throughout the competition day. Students were surveyed before and after the competition day. RESULTS: Student interest in pursuing a neuroscience career increased (3.24 to 3.58, p = 0.043), and confidence in neuroscience knowledge increased (2.88 to 3.12, p = 0.036). Qualitative assessment revealed the importance of role models and a supportive environment for student learning. CONCLUSION: The West Virginia Brain Bee increased high school student interest in and confidence of neuroscience knowledge. This competition may be a meaningful way to connect high school students with potential mentors in the neurosciences and may also help foster an interest in pursuing a career in the neurosciences in the future. © International Association of Medical Science Educators 2021.
Entities: Chemical
Keywords:
Brain Bee; Competition; Neuroscience; STEM; West Virginia
Year: 2021
PMID： 34603834 PMCID： PMC8446132 DOI： 10.1007/s40670-021-01347-2
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Med Sci Educ ISSN： 2156-8650