The Secret Life of the Brain

Program 5: The Aging Brain: Through Many Lives

Adolescent Activity


Goals:
  • Inform teens about careers in neuroscience and related careers
  • Provide information about requirements for each career
Format:
  • Screen excerpts from THE SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN with focus on careers represented
  • Invite people in careers related to neuroscience, such as a neuroscientist or neurologist, neurology nurse, imaging technician, physical therapist, speech therapist.
  • Career professionals tell teens about day
  • to
  • day work in their field, educational and training requirements, rewards and challenges
  • Explore career resources on the internet through links at www.pbs.org/brain
  • Allow teens to ask questions of the professionals.
  • Some professionals may invite teens to tour their workplace
Participants:
  • Teens, students
Potential Partners:
  • Colleges and technical schools
  • Professional organizations
  • Hospitals, health, rehabilitation centers
  • Imaging centers
Materials:
  • Excerpt tape from THE SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN. Focus on the different careers represented
  • The Brain: A User's Guide for Teens
  • Informational handouts from professionals
  • Internet access to www.pbs.org/brain
Venues:
  • After
  • school and other informal teen programs
  • High school classes, assemblies, and extracurricular activity clubs
Adult Activity


Goals:
  • Inform adults about the normal effects of aging on mental functioning vs. the symptoms of diseases such as of Alzheimer's.
  • Explore techniques for optimizing brain functioning throughout life.
Format:
  • Screen excerpts from Program 5 -- The Aging Brain: Through Many Lives.
  • Invite a gerontologist or expert in Alzheimer's disease to discuss the difference between normal aging and symptoms of disease.
  • Invite participants to ask questions of the expert.
  • Discuss strategies and activities for optimizing brain functioning.
  • Provide printed materials outlining "brain fitness" techniques and warning signs of disorders.
  • Provide information on resources available via organizations and the internet.
Participants:
  • Adults
Potential Partners:
  • Geontology departments of hospitals
  • Community eldercare organizations
  • Resource organizations for brain
  • related issues or disorders
  • Local senior citizens groups
Materials:
  • Excerpt tape from THE SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN and necessary audio/visual equipment
  • The Brain: A User's Guide for Adults
  • Informational handouts provided by expert
Venues:
  • Community centers
  • Senior citizen and eldercare organizations
  • Community healthcare centers
  • Faith
  • based organizations
  • Hospital community health programs
  • Workplace "brown bag" sessions


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