Bright Lights in the Lab
TORONTO, June 23, 2015 /CNW/ - For two weeks in July, Toronto high school students with a passion for neuroscience will design real science experiments on behavior, learning and memory. Firefly Foundation believes that these students will be among those who will solve the riddle of Alzheimer's Disease or come up with treatments for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Bright Lights in the Lab takes place at University of Toronto Schools, from July 6-17. More than 60 high school students ranging from Grade 7 through 12 will work with teachers, PhD's and graduate students from U of T to perform science experiments on behavior, learning and memory.
This year, Firefly has teamed up with Fulbright Canada and the Rotman School of Management's GBC outreach program to provide scholarships and bursaries to 15 students with limited resources, but who love science and demonstrate great academic potential.
"Our goal has been to bring together kids interested in brain science and all its wonders, so we can inspire them to follow their dreams." says Heather Fraser, Founder of Firefly Foundation. "It's incredible to see their curiosity and resourcefulness at work."
Neuroscience remains a new frontier. These young students are starting to face the reality of how 'old people's diseases' can have an impact on their current and future quality of life. By learning about the brain and performing experiments, these students learn the skills needed to channel their passion for learning into a future where they could be the ones to find a cure of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
"Designing experiments—recording from neurons and measuring changes in behavior in response to environmental stimuli or drug application—are game-changers for a high school student," says Anand Mahadevan, Camp Director, "It takes them away from cookie-cutter school labs and brings them closer to inquiry-based thinking which is critical to success in science."
"Their enthusiasm and curiosity creates hope and excitement about the future of neuroscience in Canada. Parents & grandparents should be so proud of them", says Fraser. "As we scale this camp and expand it across Canada, our next quest is to offer these students university scholarships. They give us all hope for the future."
This camp is collaboration between the Firefly Foundation, University of Toronto Schools, and the Department of Physiology at U of T. Take a virtual visit to last year's session of Bright Lights in the Lab and hear what students and educators are saying about the experience at www.fireflyfoundation.org/press-release/
SOURCE Firefly Foundation
Video with caption: "Video: Bright Lights in the Lab where high school students develop scientific curiosity & creativity ... happening July 6-17". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkJ6WxYT5wQ
For further information:
Contact Information:
Name: Anand Mahadevan, Director Bright Lights in the Lab
(Department Head, Science, University of Toronto Schools)
(416) 520-3895
amahadevan@utschools.ca
www.utschools.ca
Sharon Zillmer, Foundation Manager
The Firefly Foundation
(416) 413-0074
sharon.zillmer@fireflyfoundation.org
www.fireflyfoundation.org