Open Call: Teacher Institute for Neuroscience and Society

During its inaugural Summer 2024 four-day workshop in New York City, the Teacher Institute for Neuroscience and Society (TIFNAS)* inspired middle school educators to create innovative lesson plans that bridge neuroscience with classroom learning. The summer program was the first of its kind as part of a Dana Foundation grant awarded to Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. And now, applications for the Winter 2025 cohort are open through November 1, 2024.

“The opportunity to collaborate with other educators and experts at the intersection of neuroscience and society was invaluable. I feel more confident introducing complex brain science topics to my students in an accessible way,” said one educator after reflecting on the workshop experience.

Each day was designed to equip participants with different tools, resources, and evidence-based lessons to facilitate discussions with their students on current events and challenging topics. Among the final products developed by teachers were:

• Power the Brain & Mind the Power: An interactive unit helping students to think critically and gain a scientific lens for themselves, their community, and society.
• Screen Time & Neuroplasticity: A comprehensive student project designed to deepen students’ understanding of how screens influence brain development.
• AI Parent Engagement STEM Night: A series of lessons co-created by students incorporating Socratic discussions, interactive games and exercises to engage families in discourse on the ethical implications of AI.

Preliminary evaluation results from post-workshop data indicate significant positive changes in the attitudes of teachers who participated in the summer program. For example, the data reflects a 45 percent increase in feeling confident about incorporating new and emerging neuroscience topics in lesson plans, and a 39 percent improved ability to find age-appropriate, evidence-based resources for students.

For more information about TIFNAS and to apply for the winter workshop, visit TIFNAS Application.

Learn more about the impactful experiences of the Summer 2024 workshop on the Zuckerman Institute’s site and our website.

*The Teacher Institute for Neuroscience and Society program was formerly known as the Neuroethics Teacher Institute