March 20, 2017

Despite weighing only 3 pounds, the human brain contains more than 100 billion nerve cells and is the most complex gadget in nature.

Your brain reminds you where you live, helps you taste and hear, and keeps your heart beating. But do you know the best way to take care of your brain? If youre looking for the answer, you might want to visit the Millcreek Mall on Saturday, March 25.

The Edinboro University Psychology Club and the Psychology Department will hostBrain Awareness Day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Widget Kidz Zone. Field experts and university students will be on hand to answer this question and more.

Many people come to the mall specifically to do our activities, but a very large number of attendees are people of all ages who happened to be shopping and stop by our event, said Dr. Peter McLaughlin, Edinboro University psychology professor and organizer of the event. Kids learn about their senses through illusions and try different activities that demonstrate how their brains work.

Children from the elementary level through high school can participate in the free events, which feature games, activities and yes candy, while learning about how the brain works. As part of the fun, children will join a dozen EU psychology majors to make candy neurons while discovering different parts of the brain cell. By solving a maze in a mirror, children can also test their motor memory skills. Brainy the Robot, the official mascot, will be interacting with students to associate brain activity with behavior.

This year, we're excited to have added equipment that can show people the electrical potential in their own brains and muscles, McLaughlin said.

Middle school and high school-age students will challenge their own brains through a series of optical and auditory illusions. Children and adults will also receive goodie bags filled with information about mental and brain health and how to stay sharp as you get older.

The goal of Brain Awareness Day is to increase understanding of the brain with relation to behavior, inspire careers in neuroscience, improve awareness of mental health issues and promote healthy lifestyles.

McLaughlin said the event also provides service learning for Edinboro students studying to become psychologists.

It's a big task, but Edinboro students are always up to it, said McLaughlin, who is a member of the Society for Neuroscience and a past Edinboro University Scholar of the Year. Not only do they jump at the chance to interact with the public especially children but there's no better-trained group. EU has given them the understanding of how the brain relates to human behavior, and they have been trained in the research methods we use to learn these things.

Founded in 2009, Brain Awareness Day at the Millcreek Mall attracts nearly 300 visitors each year, McLaughlin said. This is a crucial step in bringing awareness of brain science to the public.

The brain is unique, he said. It truly is who we are, and its so important to keep it healthy. Its also crucial for the public to be aware of how brain research improves lives.

The worldwide Brain Awareness Week connects scientists and educators with families, schools and communities. This years campaign was March 13-19. With participating Edinboro students on Spring Break during that week, their Brain Awareness Day event was switched to March 25.

The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives launched the global program to raise awareness of the benefits of brain research. The week of activities and presentations is co-sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience.

For more information about Brain Awareness Day activities at the Millcreek Mall, contact McLaughlin at (814) 732-1787 or visit the Brain Awareness Day at the Millcreek Mall Facebook page.

Brain Awareness Day is part of the Edinboro University 2017 Academic Festival. For a complete schedule, visit http://www.edinboro.edu/academicfestival.

Follow this link:
EU Psychology Department invites children, adults to explore the brain - Edinboro University