FINAL PROPOSAL
Name:
Michelle Mardones
Project Name:
Babies and Brains: An Exploration of the Infant Brain Structure
Essential Question
How does the infant brain structure work?
Statement of Definition
For my Senior Project, I will conduct research and learn about how the developing brain is built– starting from the electrical properties of the neuron–to an insight on the best early preventative intervention methods that can be used to create a balanced approach to emotional, cognitive and language development.
Overview: Describe your topic and project to the committee.
For my project, I plan to conduct a series of activities through research. I hope to pursue neurology in the future, and I am incredibly fascinated by the way babies, and toddlers, specifically pick up information about memory, patterns, and language. Though this sort of research will require a lot of critical thinking, I believe that my work ethic and passion in the field will most definitely help fill in the gaps where I lack understanding in the science field. My project will give insight into the world of social experiments and the ways it gets us closer to understanding the complexities of the brain. I will get a better understanding of how the brain develops by taking an online Harvard course that focuses on the fundamentals of neuroscience. I will also engage in a series of engaging activities such as coloring books, crosswords and fill in the blank puzzles to better retain information on the fundamental structure of the brain and all of its properties. I also plan to interview professionals in the field.
How will you measure your success?
I plan to create a cohesive and engaging presentation of all of the research I have conducted. My clarity, in-depth analysis, critical thinking and overall productivity will indicate my greater successes and understanding in the field. I also plan to receive a verified certificate from Harvard University on completing the course.
Resource List
https://www.edx.org/xseries/harvardx-fundamentals-of-neuroscience
https://46y5eh11fhgw3ve3ytpwxt9r-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/InBrief-The-Science-of-Early-Childhood-Development2.pdf
https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/experi.html
Touching a Nerve by Patricia Churchland
Subliminal by Leonard Mlodinow
The Inner Child in Dreams by Kathrin Asper
Daily Plan & Schedule
Monday- 1 hour of engaging activity (coloring book, fill in blanks, educational videos and podcasts), 1-2 hours online course (since it’s self paced this should be easy to pace on my own), 1 hour of studying/conducting interviews/independent research + cohort meeting
Tuesday- 1 hour of engaging activity (coloring book, fill in blanks, educational videos and podcasts), 1-2 hours online course (since it’s self paced this should be easy to pace on my own), 1 hour of studying/conducting interviews/independent research
Wednesday-1 hour of engaging activity (coloring book, fill in blanks, educational videos and podcasts), 1-2 hours online course (since it’s self paced this should be easy to pace on my own), 1 hour of studying/conducting interviews/independent research + cohort meeting
Thursday-1 hour of engaging activity (coloring book, fill in blanks, educational videos and podcasts), 1-2 hours online course (since it’s self paced this should be easy to pace on my own), 1 hour of studying/conducting interviews/independent research
Friday- 1 hour of engaging activity (coloring book, fill in blanks, educational videos and podcasts), 1-2 hours online course (since it’s self paced this should be easy to pace on my own), 1 hour of studying/conducting interviews/independent research
Documentation Plan
I plan to document on a Google Doc since it would allow me to document my daily research and study in a cohesive and updated way. I may use a journal as well (which I would then document onto my google doc). I plan to update this daily since I will be conducting research every day and it is key that I take note of everything that I am learning.