Sketch Your Neuroscience Notes

Synopsis 

Students will create sketchnotes on a topic in neuroscience after exploring BrainFacts.org content and selecting an area of interest. Students will choose an article, video, or podcast that best explains their topic and what they’ve learned. They will convey highlights from the content item they selected in the form of sketchnotes, “a mix of handwriting, drawings, hand-drawn typography, shapes, and visual elements,” as defined in The Sketchnote Handbook.

Materials Needed

• Internet access to explore BrainFacts.org
• Coloring materials (markers, crayons, colored pencils)
• Blank sheets of paper, preferably larger than 8.5” x 11”
• Sample sketch notes (provided)

Prep Work

1. Make sure your students have internet access to explore BrainFacts.org. Students can browse the site on individual tablets, in a computer lab, or from home.
2. Distribute 1 sheet of paper to each student.
3. Distribute the coloring materials amongst the students. Each student does not need their own set of coloring materials; encourage your students to share the supplies that are available.

Instructions

1. Set aside time to have your students explore BrainFacts.org or assign them time to look at the site at home.
2. Explain to your students that they should select a topic and content that interests them. Some example topic areas can include how learning and memory function in the brain, technologies that help us look at the brain, or how diseases and disorders affect the brain.
3. Ask students to find an article, video, or podcast from BrainFacts.org that best explains their topic. Their content item selection will be the basis for their sketchnotes.
4. Show your students the sketchnotes example. Direct them to create their version of sketchnotes based on their selected content item.

Extend the Activity

Have your students give a 2-3 minute presentation on their sketchnotes to the class. Ask them to explain the topic they chose, as well as what their sketches represent in addressing the subject area.

About the Author

Emma Lindberg

Emma is the former Outreach Associate at the Society for Neuroscience. She helped find and create Educator Resources for BrainFacts.org, as well as promote the site at conferences and events across the country.