Children in schools across the Fens are using sculpting and art to learn about the brain in a scheme set up by the University of Cambridge.
Children in schools across the Fens are using sculpting and art to learn about the brain in a scheme set up by the University of Cambridge.
Scientist-turned-artist Dr Lizzie Burns is running the workshops, which are part of the build up to the Cambridge Science Festival.
The renowned science communicator is being joined by 15 volunteers from the Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, part of the NeuroNE, a European science research network.
The scheme, which is visiting primary, secondary and special needs schools, will help pupils to understand the brain and its functions.
Pupils at the schools in Wisbech, March and Whittlesey are discovering how the brain controls thinking and movement, and how sight, smell and hearing make sense of the world.
Dr Burns said: “All the pupils are showing a great deal of enthusiasm and interest. The students taking part are asking lots of questions so it's great to have neuroscience experts to help them. By taking part pupils are exploring many different parts of the brain and gaining a real understanding of how it works.”
The workshops are part of the build up to the Cambridge Science Festival that runs from March 10 to 20. The Festival will feature lectures, exhibitions and a weekend of hands-on activities for children and young adults.
An exhibition of photographs of the brain sculptures will take place on Saturday 15 March in the Arts School, New Museums Site, Downing Street, Cambridge as part of the Festival.
On the same day, members of the public will also have the chance to join in the build-a-brain activity, as well as trying tests that are used clinically to investigate brain functions.
The Cambridge Science Festival is the UK's largest free science festival, with over 120 events on offer for all ages.
NeuroNE is a research network of European scientists working together on brain disorders and diseases and spinal cord injury. The Network also has a responsibility to engage young people and the general public in understanding more about how the brain works.
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