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Curriculum Resources for Incorporating Cutting-edge Neurotechnologies into Secondary STEM Classrooms

Year: 2021
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Exciting advances in neurotechnologies, once the ideas of science fiction, are now regularly featured in the media, making neural engineering a high-interest and contemporary topic for STEM classrooms. Neurotechnologies such as brain-computer interfaces, deep brain stimulation, retinal implants, smart prosthetic limbs, and artificial neural networks--and the complicated neuroethical considerations associated with their design and use--provide exciting opportunities for transdisciplinary STEM explorations. Free curriculum resources are available to secondary STEM educators from the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington. Currently, nine teacher-authored, NGSS-aligned curriculum units for Grades 6-12 STEM courses are featured. Through these units, students design and build models of artificial neural networks, neuroprosthetics, and sensory substitution devices. The materials utilize educational technologies such as robotic gripper hands, circuit boards, SnapCircuits, Arduino Uno rigs, and SpikerBoxes. The study of bioethics is also integrated into these units by using case studies, articles, films, and discussions. In addition, a new, free e-book titled "Exploring Neuroscience and Neurotechnologies at Home" is now available. This interactive e-book for secondary students explores the topics of neuroscience, neural engineering, and neuroethics. Through five chapters, the book presents case studies, videos, career profiles, research spotlights, examples of engineered devices, and explanations of basic scientific principles. Together, these curriculum resources support secondary STEM educators in incorporating the topics of neurotechnologies, neural engineering, neuroscience, and neuroethics into their courses.
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--36893
Language: English
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3191791936
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