Young Brainiacs: I PROMISE Fourth Graders Have Fun Learning Science

Fourth grade students from the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio spend time in the science lab at Kent State's Brain Health Research Institute

Young Brainiacs: I PROMISE Fourth Graders Have Fun Learning Science

Akron, Ohio, students enjoyed a day of STEM activities at Kent State's Brain Health Research Institute

�鶹��ý’s Brain Health Research Institute recently welcomed 94 fourth-grade students from the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, for a day of activities aimed at sparking their interest in science and technology.

The purpose of the visit was to show the students what types of careers are available in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math – and to learn about the brain and its functions.

I PROMISE School students create brain hats showing the various regions of the human brain. — I PROMISE students create brain caps showing the various regions of the human brain and their functions.

Lique Coolen, Ph.D., assistant director of the institute, professor of biological sciences and assistant to the provost for special projects, who organized the visit, said another important aspect of the day was to help the students to envision themselves as Kent State students one day.

I PROMISE students take part in activities at Kent State's Brain Health Research Institute.

Events included numerous activity stations to get students thinking, moving and learning about all facets of the brain and brain health, from the basic senses to which parts of the brain control different functions and emotions.

I PROMISE students create "telephones" using plastic cups and string to learn about how the brain controls hearing. — I PROMISE students used plastic cups and string to create "telephones" to learn about how the brain controls hearing.

The I PROMISE School is part of Akron Public Schools and is supported by the LeBron James Family Foundation, which is dedicated to students who are falling behind and in need of additional supports. The foundation wraps around all students and their families with resources to help them achieve their goals.

I PROMISE students practice using microscopes during their day at Kent State's Brain Health Research Institute.

Kent State has an ongoing partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation to support its I PROMISE scholars. In 2020, the university provided the opportunity for a college education to all eligible students from the I PROMISE Program by guaranteeing four years of tuition and one year of room and meal plan at Kent State through its I PROMISE Scholars program.

I PROMISE students work with Play-Doh to create their own model brains. — I PROMISE students use Play-Doh to create models of the brain.

The tuition opportunity was an extension of Kent State's collaboration with Kent State and the foundation, in which I PROMISE students attend summer enrichment college preparation programs at the university. Those existing programs have continued.

Kent State student volunteers helped to make the I PROMISE School visit a success.

Photo Credits: LeBron James Family Foundation and Lique Coolen, Ph.D./�鶹��ý

POSTED: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:25 AM

Updated: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 12:18 PM

WRITTEN BY:

Lisa Abraham

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