Family Event In Orangeburg Uses Brains To Teach Children

The event, scheduled between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, is now in its third year. It is geared toward families.

A more popular element of the event includes a hands-on display with specimens of real human brain, according to organizers, who added that the brains are on loan from New York University’s Langone Medical Center.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to open our doors, invite the community into our facility and share our work with the public,” said Dr. Russell Tobe, director outpatient research department at the Nathan Kline Institute. “It is no surprise that the human brain display is one of the most fascinating aspects of the event. How many people can say they’ve held a brain before?”

There are a number of other activities for visitors looking to avoid actually touching brains. They include taking a tour of the state-of-the-art Brain Imaging Suite at the Institute. Experts also will be on hand to discuss brain science and mental health issues.

Organizers said games and interactive exhibits will include a distracted-driving simulation that demonstrates the dangers of trying to multitask on the road, activities that test the power of automatic behaviors and how the human brain is able to override these behaviors, and visual and auditory illusions that demonstrate how the brain is organized.

Visitors also can also learn about contributing to brain research through the Rockland Sample Initiative.

“Events like Brain Day … give families a rare opportunity to see inside one of the most cutting edge research facilities in the world,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan. “There will be games and fun events for kids as well as interactive exhibits and informational talks for adults.”

Sullivan continued to say that such events are great for developing young minds and providing the groundwork for studies in math, science and technology.

Reservations to the event at 35 Third Ave., Orangeburg, are not required, but are seriously recommended. Refreshments will be served based upon the number of positive responses.

For more information and to reserve your spot, please call 845-398-2666 or email RocklandSample@nki.rfmh.org. 

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