Everyday Neuroscience: A Community Engagement Course.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience Education
• Community Engagement in STEM

Background:

• Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) courses integrate academic learning with community service.
• The University of Pennsylvania's "Everyday Neuroscience" course is an example of ABCS.
• Under-resourced high schools often lack advanced science educational opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure and outcomes of the "Everyday Neuroscience" ABCS course.
• To assess the impact of the course on undergraduate students' professional skills and social awareness.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of neuroscience-themed laboratory activities developed by undergraduates for high school students.

Main Methods:

• Undergraduate students designed and facilitated neuroscience laboratory activities for high school students.
• Coursework included academic components such as reflections on educational disparities and scholarly readings.
• Surveys and self-reported data were collected from undergraduates to assess skill development and well-being.

Main Results:

• Undergraduates reported improvements in teaching, communication, innovation, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
• Pre- and post-semester surveys showed increased psychological and social well-being among students.
• Students reported greater confidence in expressing ideas and a stronger sense of societal contribution.
• Reflections indicated heightened awareness of social issues, particularly educational disparities.

Conclusions:

• The "Everyday Neuroscience" course effectively imparts professional skills in communication, innovation, and critical thinking.
• The course fosters increased social awareness and a greater sense of civic contribution among undergraduates.
• ABCS models can successfully bridge academic learning with community needs, enhancing student development.