St. Louis Area Brain Bee Takes Teens Inside the Human Mind

The teen brain is an amazing thing – especially when it’s hard at work learning about itself.

Through the St. Louis Area Brain Bee (SLABB) on Feb. 17, Washington University and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) are giving future researchers, physicians, and scientists the chance to get up close and personal with the human brain and discover what truly makes us tick – all while they compete for great prizes.

“Neuroscience is not a topic that’s considered a standard of learning in high school,” said Erik Herzog, professor of biology at Washington University. “The idea of the Brain Bee is to encourage students to learn how their brains work on a personal level – why they feel the way they do, how it helps them perform in the classroom or on the sports field, and even what it means to fall in love.”

In addition to educating participants about the brain, SLABB is helping them set the foundation for a possible career in neuroscience by introducing them to possible mentors, engaging them in hands-on activities, and in the case of one lucky winner, giving them the chance to learn more about brain science on a national level!

Seven years of educating and empowering

Since launching in 2011, SLABB has grown in scope and participation. Last year, 55 students from 44 local area high schools took the leap to study, examine, and explore the wonders of the human mind.

All questions for the SLABB competition come from SfN’s Brain Facts, a 70-page journey through the brain. As they read, teens not only examine the “mechanics” of the brain, such as how neurons talk to other neurons, but explore topics that are relevant to them, including learning and memory, sleep, and stress. Undergraduate students from Washington University’s Synapse, a large and active group with interests in neurobiology, will also offer free tutorial sessions for competitors Jan. 27, and Feb. 3 and 10 at the St. Louis Science Center.

Competition day at Washington University includes a written quiz in the morning. The top 10 winners then go on to compete in an oral competition that afternoon. Students vie for a variety of prizes and trophies, and the winner of SLABB receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the national Brain Bee competition in Maryland this March and a summer research fellowship at Washington University!

The day also includes fun and educational opportunities for competitors and spectators, including a neuroscience panel discussion featuring Dr. Deanna Barch, Professor and Chair of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Washington University, and Dr. Joshua Rubin, Professor of Pediatrics and Co-director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Center. Participants can get their hands on a human brain and a SpikerBox, which allows them to hear and see the activity of neurons in insects, and enjoy an eye-opening interaction with electric fish.

It’s this combination of traditional learning, mentoring, and interactive activities that allow SLABB to truly resonate with its participants.

Said Herzog, “We want to get students in St. Louis excited about science. We recognize science education is something the U.S. needs to work on, so we’re motivated to show kids just how fun learning can be. It’s our goal to create a community for them and make experts like myself available to get them involved in research as high school students and connect them to opportunities today and in the years to come. Last year, over 50 students competed. We hope even more will come, have fun, and compete this year.” The St. Louis Area Brain Bee will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Rebstock Hall, Room 215 on the Washington University Danforth Campus. Teens can register for the event and find more information at biology4.wustl.edu/SLABB.

 

Share This Story

Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL 

Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

Music & Movement

Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual. 

 

 

View this event »
Tiny Trekkers at The Nature Institute

Tiny Trekkers is a weekly nature-based program for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Nature Institute. Preschoolers explore the nearly 500 acres of preserves through hands-on experiences out in nature. Kids stomp through creeks, use nets to catch and observe insects, taste edible plants, and learn about the natural world.

 

 

View this event »
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Cottleville

Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym.  They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.

 

 

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

Why Summer Camp is Great for . . . Parents

Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.

Continue reading »
Don't Miss These May Events Your Family Will Love

May is the perfect time for your family to get out and enjoy the (sometimes) perfect St. Louis weather. Have some fun as a family at these delightful outdoor events before the summer heat takes hold. 

Continue reading »
7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

Continue reading »
Greenway Quest 2025: A TOAD-ally Fun Adventure for Your Family

It's the time of year to get outside (finally!!) and have some fun, and Great Rivers Greenway's Greenway Quest is just the adventure your family needs. This year, they partnered with the Saint Louis Zoo for Greenway Quest, a TOAD-ally awesome greenway hunt throughout the month of April. Plus, enter now to win prizes!

Continue reading »
Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us