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Using Their Brains. HS Students Learn Via Video Conference

Using their Brains

Sayville Students Experience a Virtual ‘Field Trip’ via Video Conference

 

“How do injuries affect the human brain? What changes do drugs and alcohol cause in brain function?”

During a virtual ‘field trip’ with an AIMS educator from Saint Louis University, students from Sayville High School’s Human Anatomy classes covered these topics and more. And they did not have to travel far,  just to the High School’s library, thanks to the technology of Video Conferencing.

According to its’ website, Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS)  “is an outreach program of Saint Louis University. AIMS combines hands-on programs, auditorium presentations, and distance learning to bring lessons of anatomy and science to life for students across the country and internationally.”

This BOCES-sponsored program “connects schools with laboratories, universities or historical societies that present material in different subject areas,”explained  Sayville Teacher Librarian Nancy Finnerty. As the Library Liaison for the Sayville School District, Ms. Finnerty had recently attended a Liaison meeting at BOCES. After learning about these exciting opportunities—“the science ones in particular caught my attention”—she approached Sayville science teachers Ms. Cindy Giannico and Ms. Danielle Lutz about hosting a Video Conference. They picked a date, brought in the students, and the rest is history.  

“The Sayville students really enjoyed participating interactively and learning about many brain-related topics including the neurons and supporting cells of the nervous system, cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and the brain stem,” reported Ms. Finnerty. “A doctor from St. Louis University shared all this, including his knowledge about what happens inside the brain when drugs and alcohol are ingested, brain injuries, and brain related diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. All participants viewed an actual human brain, it’s outer covering, as well as a cross section or a ‘slice’ of the inner brain.  Students commented afterward on just ‘how cool’ it all was!”  

With the indispensable assistance of Sayville’s Supervisor of Network Systems William Seus, who helped them launch this first conference, Ms. Finnerty hopes to host many more video conferencing events in the years to come,” including a Forensic Autopsy in our newly remodeled High School Library in the Fall!”