Five doctoral students from the Institute of Child Development participated in the University on the Prairie program in Lamberton, Minnesota, July 30. Colleen Doyle, Angela Fenoglio, Madeline Harms, Amanda Hodel and Kelly Jedd all answered a call for volunteers to share their science knowledge with students in grades 7-12 who are immersed in three days of hands-on activities to explore science education and possible later science career opportunities. The Prairie program students conduct experiments, participate in hands-on labs and learn new skills from professionals working in science fields.

The ICD doctoral students spent a day leading sessions on brain anatomy, development, and plasticity.

“The kids got to participate in several brain-related activities, including touching human brain specimens,” Fenoglio said. Responses to the sessions ranged from “THIS WAS MY FAVORITE SECTION PLEASE COME BACK NEXT YEAR!!!” to “This was my second least favorite, it was gross.”

University on the Prairie is a program of the University of Minnesota Southwest Research & Outreach Center  and University of Minnesota Extension.

“We’re hoping this might become an ICD tradition,” Fenoglio added.

Photo, left to right: Colleen Doyle, Madeline Harms, Amanda Hodel, Angela Fenoglio, and Kelly Jedd.