The Eastern Maine Brain Bee is being planned by the Psychology & Community Studies and the Environmental & Biological Sciences programs at UMM. The Northern and Southern Maine Regional Brain Bees will be conducted at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of New England. The winners of the Regional Brain Bees will be eligible to compete in the National Brain Bee as long as students from at least three different high schools participate. The National Brain Bee is held annually at the University of Maryland in March.
'As an external competition, the Brain Bee promotes quality learning and enhances the background of future psychologists,' said Dr. Uriah Anderson, assistant professor of psychology at UMM. 'By bringing high school students to a college campus in the pursuit of academic excellence, we also hope to raise their aspirations.'
In the morning, students and teachers will participate in activities to learn more about the brain, the senses and several disorders affecting the nervous system. Steven Belanger, physical therapist with Down East Community Hospital's Rehabilitation Services, will also be on hand. The UMM Admissions Office will provide lunch and a tour of the campus for participants, parents and chaperones. After lunch there will be some study time and the contest itself. UMM, USM and UNE will video conference the final rounds of competition. Students from Dr. Lois-Ann Kuntz's Introduction to Psychology course and Dr. Sherrie Sprangers' Anatomy & Physiology course will be assisting with the competition.
Students, parents, high school advisors and school guidance counselors from across the state who would like to learn more about the event, try their hand at sample questions and ask any questions they may have about the competition are encouraged to contact Dr. Lois-Ann Kuntz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with 'Brain Bee' in the subject line or visit www.machias.edu/maine-brain-bee to register. The snow date is Monday, Dec. 15 at the same times and locations.
