the student, the brain, and, like, why would i want to be a scientist anyway? dr. tara ebersole the...
TRANSCRIPT
The Student, the Brain, and, Like, Why Would I Want to be a Scientist
Anyway?
Dr. Tara EbersoleThe Community College of Baltimore County Professor of Biology and STEM
Liaison
ActivityO List every positive attribute of
adolescents that you can!
O List every negative attribute of adolescents that you can!
You said…
You said…
“Experts” said the positive traits are:
O PassionateO ExuberantO StrongO SmartO EnergeticO SocialO Risk takers
“Experts” said the negative traits are:
O ImpulsiveO UnmotivatedO Emotional O AggressiveO Lack self-controlO PerplexingO Risk takers
Developing brain structures:
O Parietal lobes – logic and spatial reasoning
O Temporal areas – language
O Cerebellum – motor coordination
O Frontal lobe – judgment, reasoning, impulse, motivation
Anatomy - Neurons
Functional cells of the brainDendritesOThe receiving branches of the cellAxonsOThe transmitting extensions of the
neuron (surrounded by myelin)SynapseOThe gap between the axon of one
neuron and the dendrites of another.
Physical Processes of Learning
OBrain nerve cells, or neurons, grow and develop new connections as we learn.
OThe brain is considered “plastic” and can change in shape and structure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDrd22R4btI
Brain Plasticity:
O Change in shape and structureO Both genetically and environmentally
determinedO Growth volume peaks in adolescence and
prunes back to adult size
Evolutionary theories:OBrain is preparing for reproductionORisk taking – to encourage adolescent
males to leave nest.OFaster female maturation – acceptance
into women’s circle to learnOSlower male maturation – to allow
learning to occur with father before seen as a competitor.
OSleep patterns – good vision and strength to protect tribe.
Neurotransmitters:
O Glutamate – stimulatesO Dopamine – reward
and pleasureO Emotional response –
to amygdala rather than cortex
Decision makingRequires input from multiple areas of the brain and includes more than logic…
O Social interactionO Emotional associationO “Oh Shit!” circuit
(actions that lead to negative consequences)
O Fear of failure
Emotions and LearningO Impact of “micromessaging”.
A micromessage is a small, sometimes unspoken and unconscious message that is sent and received many times a day.
“Eliminate the Negative; Accentuate the Positive”, Sandra Bell
What are the micromessgaes?
What are the micromessages?
What does a scientist look like?
Micromessaging
O Like a Girl Video
Activity: Activity: STEM Facts QuizSTEM Facts Quiz
O You can cheat on this quiz! Ask your neighbor what they think… Look at each others papers… Look things up…
O You have 5 minutes to estimate the missing number for each statement. Ready, set, go!
STEM Facts QuizSTEM Facts QuizO Maryland ranks ___ of states having the highest
concentration of STEM jobs.O From 1950-2000, the overall workforce grew 150%
and the STEM workforce grew _____. O ____ of US undergraduates are majoring in STEM.O While females perform as well in science and math
and take as many STEM courses as males, they represent only _____ of the overall STEM workforce.
O African-American males receive ____ per cent of degrees in science and technology and _____ per cent of degrees in math and statistics.
O ___ per cent of STEM college graduates started at the community college.
STEM Facts - AnswersSTEM Facts - Answers
O Maryland ranks 3rd of states having the highest concentration of STEM jobs (behind WA and VA).
O From 1950-2000, the overall workforce grew 150% and the STEM workforce grew 669%.
O 16% of US undergraduates are majoring in STEM.O While females perform as well in science and math and
take as many STEM courses as males, they represent only 26% of the overall STEM workforce.
O African-American males receive 1% of degrees in science and technology and 4% of degrees in math and statistics.
O 44% of STEM college graduates started at the community college.
What can be done…O Emphasizing a “growth mindset” –
the brain can changeO Recognizing that students’ brains are
still developingO Educate parents on brain
development, the need to support your student and stay involved in his/her academic life.
STEM Career videosSTEM Career videosPositive emotional associations and micromessages…
Why STEM?What do you want to do - STEM Careers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bnMBhO0LnU
Did You Know: STEM Edition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8twBGoGRqc&feature
STEM is Cool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfeBQxmx1kY
STEM Career videosSTEM Career videosScienceO Career Profile - Wildlife Biologist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ5LKMoNFRoTechnologyO Careers in Music Technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7woVKKjLhcEngineeringO Explore for More Careers - Civil Engineer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiAYjKCRpJsMath O Careers for Math Majors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okjggCtQDUE
ne
Spatial SkillsO Many historical scientific discoveries have been linked to well-developed
spatial skills.
O Well-developed spatial skills have been shown to lead to success in: Engineering and Technology Computer Science Chemistry Computer Aided Design Mathematics
Spatial Skills
O A 1985 study at Michigan Tech determined that a student’s score on the PSVT:R was the most significant predictor of success of eleven variables tested in engineering graphics
Race and Gender Disparity
Race Male Female
African American 67% 46%
American Indian 75% 67%
Asian American 78% 64%
Hispanic 81% 62%
Multiracial 81% 68%
White 82% 69%
“The brain is wider than the skyFor put them side by side
The one with the other will containWith ease and you beside.”
Emily Dickinson
Questions?
