Oct 7th, 2013
Jackson State Community College Math and Natural Sciences department hosted a neuroscience field trip for gifted fourth and fifth graders from the Jackson-Madison County School Systems GEMS program. There were two groups over a two-day period. These students first came to the Frank Dodson Science Auditorium at JSCC where biology faculty gave a PowerPoint presentation on nerve cells and impulses. Also discussed were reflexes, basic neural sensory and motor pathways, sensation and perception. A highlight for the students was the dissection of a sheep brain that was projected onto the auditorium screen.
The students also went to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital where they were introduced to imaging technology. Students were able to view brain structures and see how medical professionals use this technology to detect and diagnose disease. Ginger Hemrick, GEMS Director for JMCSS, mentioned how impressed hospital staff were with the students in attendance. According to Hemrick, their questions indicated very keen and perceptive thought.
The professors at Jackson State felt the program gave this gifted group of elementary school students good insight into the field of biology and hopefully motivated them to pursue studies in the field of science.