In the Bias Busting Obstacles project secondary students learn how human brains and historical context predispose us to be biased against those who are different– and how, through reflection, education, and activism, we can elect to change. Their learning culminates in an exhibition, for which students design, build, and curate a bias-busting obstacle course. The goal of the obstacle course is to allow participants to experience the impact of a memorial in tandem with the inherent engagement of an obstacle course.
Watch the short video on the left to hear students reflecting on their learning throughout the project.
Academic Skills and Content:
- How is the brain a system of interacting subsystems? (Brain anatomy, neuron anatomy, action potential – textile neuron model, dissection of sheep brain at HSU)
- How do environmental conditions affect our nervous system? (neurotransmitters, effects of drugs / toxins on the nervous system, effect of stress on the nervous system – earthworm lab)
- How can we use the model of input / process / output to understand how our brains gather information from the environment, process that information through our affective filters, and then respond with a behavior? (mirroring emotion lab)
- How has discrimination played out in American history?
- How does a group develop its sense of identify — and distance itself from the out group?
- What methods can scientists use to understand social dynamics?
Final Product: Interactive exhibits for families and lower elementary students
Suggested Duration: 9 weeks
Created with the support of the California Department of Education California Career Pathways Trust