Neuroscience Fair

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! One of our stuffed animals had a little tumble and needs a brain check-up! Visitors will get to pick a stuffed animal and help “scan” the toy’s head using a pretend MRI machine. As they learn how doctors take pictures of the brain to make sure everything is okay, kids get to see images of real brains and talk about how medical tools—though sometimes loud or unfamiliar—can help us feel better and stay safe.

Learn more about Animal Brain Scanner

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Explore our brain zoo and see the wild diversity of brains across the animal kingdom! At this interactive station, participants will examine real and model animal brains, compare structures, and discover how brain anatomy relates to behavior. Try the guessing game: match each brain to its animal and flip the card to check your answer. Along the way, we’ll highlight different brain areas and discuss how evolution has shaped the brain.

Learn more about Animal Brains

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Need a moment to unwind? Little ones can take a break from the buzz of the fair in this kid-friendly space filled with coloring pages, simple games, and soft toys. There’s no schedule, no instructions, just a comfy spot to relax, reset, and enjoy some quiet play. Whether it’s a few minutes of coloring or a full-on toy adventure, this zone is perfect for recharging little brains before jumping back into the excitement.

Learn more about Brain Break

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Think you know how the brain works? Put your knowledge to the test in our “Myth or Fact?” sorting challenge! Participants will examine common brain statements and decide whether they’re true or just popular misconceptions. As we reveal the real science behind each claim, visitors will learn how neuroscience research helps us separate fact from fiction.

Learn more about Brain Myths Busted!

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Put your brain together—literally! At this hands-on station, participants will assemble a colorful puzzle of the brain using velcro-backed pieces. As you build, we’ll explore what each region does—from vision in the occipital lobe to movement in the motor cortex. Once complete, they can take a puzzle set home or scan the QR code to print their own.

Learn more about Brain Puzzle

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Unleash your creativity while exploring brain anatomy! At this hands-on art-meets-science station, kids can decorate their own plaster brain using permanent markers or opt for a brain coloring sheet with crayons. Whether they choose to color-code the four lobes (frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal) or invent their own imaginative design, each creation becomes a personalized keepsake to take home and show off.

Learn more about Color a Brain

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Join us to explore what neuroscience can teach us about the contributions of our microbes to brain development. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, we will discover the incredible impact of microbes on our brain growth and learn about the ways that our lifestyles (for example, antibiotic over usage) may be affecting our microbes and therefore our brain development. All age groups are welcome!

Learn more about Do Microbes Shape your Brain?

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Step into the role of a neuroscientist! At this playful photo booth, kids and families can gear up in lab coats, colorful gloves, pretend glasses, and other science-themed props to look the part of a neuroscientist. From plush neurons to toy insects and stethoscopes, each item sparks curiosity about what scientists use in the lab and why. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with the hashtag #MSUNeuroFair to show off your scientific style!

Learn more about Dress Like a Neuroscientist

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Add a splash of science to your smile! At this colorful station, visitors can choose from a selection of neuroscience-themed face paint designs or opt for a fun science temporary tattoo. From neurons and brains to lightning bolts of thought, each design celebrates the wonders of the brain. We keep it simple with one design per visitor at a time and encourage everyone to swing by the “Dress Like a Neuroscientist” booth afterward for a photo in full science style.

Learn more about Face Painting

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us at the Neuroscience Fair! Looking for ways to challenge and inspire your academically advanced student? Stop by the GATE booth to learn about Michigan State University’s Gifted and Talented Education programs for students in grades 4 and up. Whether you're curious about accelerated math, humanities, foreign languages, or hands-on summer experiences, GATE offers differentiated learning pathways designed to meet gifted students where they are. Representatives will be available to answer questions about academic year programs, summer camps, testing and placement, and how to get started. From middle school enrichment to high school acceleration, GATE helps families navigate options that support deep learning, creativity, and growth. Come explore what’s possible!

Learn more about Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)