Dr Robert DeHaan

Professor, Health Science Guides Program, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Georgia, USA

J.P. West, Ph.D.

J. M. Aldag

R. Crocker

An Interactive Adventure Game in Brain Biology for Teenagers

Abstract

Brain Voyager is a computer-based program that teaches about brain structure and function in the context of an interactive 3D-graphics, adventure game for teenagers. It is intended to challenge the player to solve problems concerned with how the brain and sensory systems are organized and function. In this presentation we will describe how the player dives into the brain as the pilot of the "Bant-M1" ship, miniaturized to cell size. Travelling through the brain with the aid of an innovative navigational system, the player achieves the following learning objectives at an age-appropriate level: (1) understands the structure and function of selected brain areas; (2) learns the anatomy of brain structures (e.g. whole brain, neurons, neurotransmitters) at three different size scales, and understands their functions; (3) understands neural conduction and synaptic transmission; (4) relates brain and sensory operation to behavior and recognizes how lesions or drug effects would alter neural function. (Supported by an NCRR/SEPA grant from the National Institutes of Health).

Bionotes

Robert L. DeHaan is Candler Professor of Cell Biology and Adjunct Professor of Educational Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. DeHaan directs the NSF-supported Elementary Science Education Partners program, and Health Science Guides, and NIH-funded science education program for middle schoolers. He has published two books and over 100 research papers in cellular science and embryology.

Presentation Type
30 min. Paper

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
Data Projector
35 mm slide projector

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
USA