Children ask, children want to know. 100 questions that children ask about the brain

Abstract

Introduction: Neuroscience plays a crucial role in educational development, spanning from preschool to university, providing knowledge that enriches culture and human values. Objective: The GME-CZH group developed a social outreach project focused on childhood and adolescence, specifically in the teaching of neuroscience. The main objective was to stimulate the cognitive development of children and adolescents through innovative methods such as games, talks, Brain Rally, etc., aiming to reinvigorate their minds and educate them about the functioning of the brain. Materials and Methods: The project was divided into two phases. The first, “Brain Week 2018,” focused on primary and pre-university children and adolescents, implementing activities to stimulate their interest in brain-related topics. The second phase involved the collaboration of 150 children and adolescents (7-17 years old) and neuroscience experts for the creation of the book “100 Questions Children Ask About the Brain.” Results: The collaboration between children and experts culminated in the successful creation of the book, addressing the concerns and questions posed by children about the brain and its functioning. Conclusion: The project demonstrated that the integration of playful and educational methods can be effective in stimulating interest and cognitive development in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of teaching neuroscience in these educational stages. This innovative project not only contributes to educational advancement but also promotes understanding of the brain from an early age, fostering the comprehensive development of students.