Purpose
“Over the summer, I was able to visit a classroom in India and noticed that a lot of the academic curriculum required the use of standardized tests, memorization of facts, and involved barely any interactive learning. I decided to research more about this kind of education system throughout the summer and noticed that there was not a lot of interactive and project-based learning around the world. Most of these countries could not afford any of the academic supplies that may be found in well-funded classrooms. Being a part of the Princeton community has allowed me to further expand my horizons through the use of the various opportunities offered at Princeton High School. As a student and researcher, I agree that incorporating projects and research opportunities have not only allowed me to learn more deeply, but it has sparked interest in future paths for education and possible careers. I plan on studying neuroscience as a possible major, and it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the biology or research projects that I have been working on. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to allow students to experience how I felt when I was first given the opportunity to conduct research. Hands-on activities have not only allowed me to explore my passions and interests, but they have also given me the motivation to continue learning. This project will not only introduce students to different fields of sciences (neuroscience and biology), but it will also allow the kids in Central and South America to connect with their Native American cultures. The Inca were known for advancing techniques in brain surgery and for their cosmological understandings. However, due to conquest and colonialism, the children in places, like, Peru are not exploring their cultural background as much and are not given the opportunity to “think outside the box”. This project will not only remind them of all the advances that their ancestors made in the fields of science, but it will also help promote a research and project-based educational system.”
– Seher Abbasi
Please select a course:
Introduction to Neuroscience
In this course, a student would have the opportunity to learn about basic biological concepts and get a first glance of what neuroscience is like. In the end, students will have the ability to understand how the brain regulates movement and will be left wanting more. I have designed and planned labs and activities that will not only allow students to dive deeper into the fascinating field of neuroscience but also learn through the use of animated videos.
Jumping Spider Research
During my sophomore and junior year of high school I researched the effects sleep deprivation has on jumping spider behavior. This project not only allowed me to further explore my passion for neuroscience but it also made me the first researcher to collect and analyze jumping spider sleep cycles. The results were astonishing.
Mind Games: Technology and the Developing Teenage Brain
In this lesson, a student would have the opportunity to learn more about how technology effects the developing brain of a teenager, understand how the adolescent brain works, and learn how to spend their time online. A special thanks to Frontiers for Young minds for collaborating with me. All research found in the video was published and reviewed by Dr. Lucía Magis Weinberg and Dr. Estelle Berger.
A Good Night’s Sleep: Necessary for Young Minds
In this lesson, a student would have the opportunity to learn more about why sleep is important and how it changes as a person grows older. A special thanks to Frontiers for Young minds for collaborating with me. All research found in the video was published and reviewed by Dr. Elisabeth Koopman-Verhoeff and Dr. Jared M. Saletin.
Neuro-Myths in the classroom
In this lesson, a student would have the opportunity to debunk some neuroscience related myths and further understand why it is so important to be informed about them. A special thanks to Frontiers for Young minds for collaborating with me. All research found in the video was published and reviewed by Dr. Victoria Knowland, and Dr. Michael Thomas
Our Team
Learn more about the people who helped this project come into fruition. Most importantly a special thank you to the following teachers: Ms. Dineen, Mrs. Hayden, Mr. Eastburn, Ms. Katz, and Ms. Riccardi for helping me plan and execute this project. None of this would have been possible without them.
Why Scidestination?
Interactive and research based education
At Scidestination we believe learning can be fun and addictive. Interactive learning is the best way to achieve that goal and spark passion and interest within students. We believe in equipping students with the skills to be able to learn for the rest of their lives! In order to do so, we have designed and created labs and experiments based activities that are built to challenge students to get excited to learn. Instilling in them a method of analytical thinking, students will have the ability to become independent thinkers and high performers.
Lessons made accessible
Students will have the ability to learn through the use of multilingual, animated, and engaging videos to keep them entertained while learning. Students can also send direct emails and messages to tutors on this site for any questions or concerns they may have. Activities and labs don’t require the use of high-end technologies and are free of pay. Backyard brains kits will be provided by Scidestination if need be.
Meet new people and research opportunities
At Scidestination, we promote research and the curiosity of how everything works in the world of science. We will provide students access to research projects conducted by researchers at Princeton High School to help them explore new opportunities for future projects. This will allow students to be introduced to new people in this network and further discover their potential.
What educators have to say ……
I was invited to be a part of this extraordinary project by its founder, Seher, who was in my AP World History and Cultures class. My pedagogy is grounded in the inquiry-driven and student-centered project-based learning that Scidestination hopes to bring to classrooms around the world, so I jumped at the chance to support Seher as she began to design learning segments, create materials, and launch outreach efforts. This project will give students around the world an opportunity to work collaboratively to solve real-world problems using cross-curricular knowledge and critical thinking skills, helping them build transferable competencies for applications far beyond the walls of their classrooms. I am incredibly proud to be a part of Scidestination and the change it will bring to the learning experiences of students we reach through our global network of educational communities!
Katie Dineen: History teacher at Princeton High School
Interactive learning can expose students to new ideas and concepts that they may not be exposed to in their normal lessons. It allows them to interact with other students around the world. It may also allow students to explore a passion.
Jayne Riccardi: Science teacher at Princeton High School
As an educator for the past 20 years, I have always observed that interactive, hand-on lessons have been the most effective to support student learning. For this reason, I am extremely proud that Seher has chosen to foster knowledge of neuroscience through hands-on and engaging lessons, as the study of how brains work is relevant and essential to everyone.
Mark Eastburn: Science teacher, researcher, and writer
As an advisor to the research program at our high school, I was thrilled to hear that one of our research students wanted to communicate her science to other students through an inquiry-driven model. Scidestination is allowing both Seher and the site’s visitors to grow as scientific communicators. The focus of this site to connect science to the world around us is an excellent way to engage learners and foster an appreciation for the scientific process!
Jacqueline Katz: Science teacher at Princeton High School
You may use the following section to ask us any questions you have about lessons, research projects, or would like to give us feedback. Another way, would be to email us at seherabbasi@scidestination.com.
Scidestination 