The main goals of an innovative Grade 12 science unit focused on seizure disorders are reducing the stigma surrounding epilepsy, teaching seizure first aid and encouraging interest in youth to pursue careers in epilepsy research and health sciences.
The program, called Brain Matters: An Introduction to Neuroscience, was developed by the London, Ont.-based Epilepsy Support Centre to complement the high school biology curriculum and give students the opportunity to learn about a common neurological disorder while they also learn about the brain and how it works. The program was developed with funding received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and collaboration from high schools, epilepsy centres and researchers.
While all of the program’s objectives are important, epilepsy expert Suzanne Nurse, who helped develop Brain Matters, says the need to erase the stigma surrounding epilepsy is top of mind because the lack of accurate information about epilepsy contributes to the fear and stigma associated with the disorder.
Engaging students in seizure first aid is important because while many people know how to respond to other medical emergencies, there needs to be greater knowledge about how to respond appropriately to a person having a seizure, Nurse notes.
With a need for more epilepsy researchers and health-care professionals specializing in seizure disorders, Nurse says the goal of attracting young people interested in health sciences to focus their careers is crucial. And there are many career opportunities in this area, she says.
“Epilepsy researchers, neuropsychologists, EEG technologists and registered dietitians (are examples of) health-care professionals (working in the epilepsy field),” she says.
Brain Matters features information including a facilitator’s manual, companion DVD, case studies, knowledge application materials, classroom demonstrations, videos of youth talking about their seizures and epilepsy, seizure first aid and interviews with health-care professionals and researchers discussing career options in neuroscience.
“It’s a unique program because teachers can use it in the classroom to help their students understand biology concepts, such as homeostasis and action potentials, but in a way that engages students and makes them interested in learning,” says Nurse.
The program is not mandated by the province to be included in the Grade 12 biology curriculum but has been endorsed by a number of Ontario school boards. Teachers who wish to adopt it should contact the science consultant at their school board or visit the link below.
More information on Brain Matters can be found by clicking here.
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Writer: Deron Hamel
