Media Advisory: Learning How the Brain Works

Fourth-graders in Buffalo's Highgate Heights Elementary School, PS 80, will get a fun look at how the brain works today (Thursday, March 19, 2009) provided by neuroscience graduate students at the University at Buffalo.

The event, part of Brain Awareness Week, March 16-20, will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the school, 600 Highgate Ave., off Eggert Road in the University Heights neighborhood.

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Students will participate in three simple tasks designed to demonstrate the brain's intriguing neurological mechanisms. There also will be brain models, plus a preserved human brain for students to see and identify the parts involved in these tasks.

"I see Brain Awareness Week as a great experience for both the graduate students and the fourth graders," said Kelly Picchione, the neuroscience graduate student coordinating the event. "It's amazing to watch the fourth graders get excited about the experiments they are performing. It's a great combination of learning and fun."

Best time for media is 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to check in with the main office at Highgate Heights Elementary School, and be escorted to the demonstrations.

Press arrangements: Lois Baker in the UB Office of News Services at 645-5000 ext. 1417 and Kelly Picchione, on-site and at 310-0612.