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Smarter Workshop
Do you want to be smarter? What if we told you,
you could be smarter than you already are? Is it legal? Is it ethical? What
would YOU choose to do? Join us for a debate and meet a neuroscientist!
Drugs that help you learn.They’re real and they’re here, improving concentration, focus and short-term memory.But are they right?Would taking these “cognitive enhancing drugs” really make you smarter?And if they did, is it cheating like athletes using steroids?Or no different to having a cup of coffee when studying?
This exciting new workshop gives students a chance to explore the science and ethics behind using drugs to make you smarter.Through an engaging theatre piece and a lively discussion and debate, classes will learn about how our brains develop, see how different things affect the brain and talk about who gets to decide how smart you are.
The workshop will also feature a session with a working neuroscientist, giving students a unique opportunity to quiz them about all matters brain-related and giving them access to some of the amazing cutting-edge research happening today.
Learning Objectives
Key stage 4
After watching the show Key stage 4 pupils should:
- Understand that neurotransmitters are essential for our brains to function
- Realise that there are many ways to effect how these neurotransmitters work
- Appreciate some of the risks and benefits of cognitive enhancing drugs
- Gain an awareness of the job of neuroscience researcher
- Understand that buying medicine on the internet is not safe
- Be able to express their own view on cognitive enhancement
Duration
60 minutes
Suggested audience
- Key Stage 4
- Age
14-18
We will need the venue to provide
- Power sockets
- Data Projector
- Projector screen
- Room with moveable furniture
- Wall space to tack posters to
- Two chairs
- Drinking water
