West High’s AP psychology classes made their way down to the Arganbright Auditorium lobby on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to meet with researchers from the University of Iowa’s neuroscience lab. There, the students got several opportunities to learn about the brain in a different way than their textbooks.
The researchers showcased a variety of different-sized animal brains as well as microscope slides with brain tissue that students could observe. Additionally, students were able to handle human brains and spinal cords.
Ramkumar Kuruba, an assistant research scientist at the lab, initially reached out to AP Psychology teachers Travis Henderson and Camille Crossett about visiting West High. Currently, AP Psychology students are studying the biology part of the course, which coincides with the arrival of the lab. To Henderson, this proved to be a unique opportunity for students to learn more about the brain.
“I am feeling ecstatic because I think our students are getting a really powerful and cool experience today,” Henderson said.
Rachel Schafbuch ’25 thought the researchers succeeded in providing a beneficial hands-on learning opportunity.
“The brains were like 50 years old — I didn’t know they kept them that long. They keep the brains in formaldehyde which preserves the brain and keeps it from molding,” Schafbuch said. “It was really interesting; the researchers explained things very specifically and thoroughly. They were open to questions, which was really nice.”
As most students had never gotten to experience something like this, the texture, weight and smell came as a surprise. Sophie Goers ’25, a student in Henderson’s class, explains the weird, but interesting feeling of touching the brains.
“Holding the brain was definitely a weird feeling of slimy and very squishy. And there was also this protective covering over it. It was interesting, I liked learning about it,” Goers said.
While an odd experience, Goers finds that this definitely helped her understand the brain a little bit more.
“Seeing the different parts and actually holding it [helped me to understand]. If you flip it upside down you can easily see the cerebellum and see where all the parts connect,” Goers said.
Additionally, other students such as Annie Dickens ’25 pointed out that the experience allowed her to look at the brain and the unit with a new perspective.
“I thought it was a really cool experience to hold a brain and realize that this person had a whole life, and I’m holding it my hands,” Dickens said.
Sidney Tranel ’25 feels similarly, citing the odd feeling of holding a brain in her hands.
“It felt like a really fascinating and unique experience but it was also eerie to know that I was holding a brain when I have one inside of my head,” Tranel said.
Henderson is looking forward to keeping a connection with the lab and continuing with this activity to supplement AP Psychology course knowledge. In addition, Henderson hopes that this experience can be inspiring for his students’ futures.
“I hope today inspired some people to maybe think about a career in STEM or neuroscience,” Henderson said.
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