Twelve tips for starting and organizing a local Brain Bee anywhere

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience education
• STEM outreach

Background:

• The Brain Bee is an international competition for high school students.
• It provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate-level education in neuroscience.
• It fosters individual and team-based competition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a platform for high school students to engage with neuroscience.
• To foster confidence and connections within STEM fields.
• To offer guidance for running successful local Brain Bee programs.

Main Methods:

• Annual competition with multiple-choice, short-answer, neuroanatomical lab practical, and oral exams.
• Top ten students compete in a final oral exam with a unique elimination format.
• Local chapters led by college students and faculty conduct educational sessions.

Main Results:

• The competition format enhances student confidence and STEM engagement.
• Local Brain Bees serve as feeders for national and international competitions.
• Educational sessions cover human physiology, pathology, behavior, anatomy, research, and guest speakers.

Conclusions:

• The Brain Bee program successfully educates high school students about neuroscience.
• It encourages participation and enthusiasm in STEM fields.
• A 12-tips article offers advice for sustained local chapter success.