Q: What is the Upper Valley Brain Bee?

A: The Upper Valley Brain Bee is a fun and educational neuroscience competition for high school students living in the Upper Valley. In fact, the Brain Bee is already a nationally and internationally recognized competition. More information on these competitions can be found by visiting www.internationalbrainbee.com. 

 

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Upper Valley Brain Bee?

A: We follow the same eligibility requirements as the International Brain Bee. Participants must be age 13-19 to compete in the competition. Students may compete in one regional brain bee per year, and in the National Brain Bee and the International Brain Bee one time.   Family members, friends, and members of the community of all ages are welcome to attend and participate in the morning neuroscience activities fair and then stay for the afternoon competition!

 

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Students should register online. 

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Q: I did not qualify at this year's Upper Valley Brain Bee. Can I compete in another local Brain Bee?

A: Unfortunately, the rules and regulations of the International Brain Bee organization dictate that students can only compete in one regional Brain Bee competition. However, you are more than welcome to attend multiple regional Brain Bees to learn more about the brain! Please contact our Coordinators if you have a question regarding these rules.

 

Q: Why should I participate in the Upper Valley Brain bee?

A: Above all, the Brain Bee will be a fun and educational event. By participating, you will have the opportunity to be exposed to the exciting and important field of neuroscience, and learn about how the brain works! All participants will receive a certificate of participation recognized by the International Brain Bee, and awards will be given to the top winners of the competition. You will also have the opportunity to talk to representatives of Dartmouth College admissions about how you could study neuroscience in college or pursue various career opportunities in the field. Finally, pending certain eligibility requirements that need to be met, the winner may have the opportunity to represent the Upper Valley by competing in the National Brain Bee competition next year at the University of California, Irvine! 

 

Q: How do I study for the Brain Bee?

A: Most questions will be derived from the Brain Facts publication available in the Study Materials section. Any disease mentioned in the Brain Facts book might be asked in the test even if specific facts about that disease state aren't mentioned in Brain Facts. In addition, all participants will be contacted to schedule a Brain Boot Camp - a short training session put on by Dartmouth College graduate students- at their school. 

 

Q: What is the format of the competition?

A: The Brain Bee will include two rounds. In the first round there will be three sections: written questions, a neuroanatomy practical, and case-based diagnoses. The top 5 participants from the first round will move into the second round where finalists will participate in a trivia-style competition. There will be one winner. 

 

Q: Can I still come to the event if I don't want to participate in the competition?

A: Yes! The Upper Valley Brain Bee is open to the public. In addition to the competition, there will be a featured keynote lecture by a Dartmouth neuroscientist, as well as other fun brain activities. Representatives from Dartmouth College undergraduate admissions will also have a booth to answer your questions and discuss how you could study neuroscience right here in the Upper Valley!

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Q: Who should I contact with further questions?

A: The Brain Bee Coordinators are Elizabeth Bien and Erica Townsend. Contact us via email with questions!

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