$3,000 · Woods Hole · July 20 – Aug 6
Apply Now →
Applications Open — Summer 2026

Real Neurons.
Real Research.
Real Scientists.

From the Backyard Brains team behind 9 TED presentations and the MIT Press bestseller How Your Brain Works.

A 3‑week, hands‑on neuroscience training in Woods Hole — run by Backyard Brains and the Children's School of Science. Teachers learn electrophysiology by recording real neural signals, then bring those labs back to their classrooms.

You won't just learn neuroscience — you'll run experiments.

Take‑home classroom kit: Each teacher receives 6 Neuron SpikerBox kits for their classroom (approx. $900 value).
3 Weeks
4 Teachers
3+ PhD Mentors
Apply Now → Learn More
Students in neuroscience lab at Woods Hole
Neuroscience Teacher Training Woods Hole, MA · July 20 – August 6, 2026
▶
9 TED Presentations
📘
MIT Press Bestseller
🔬
Children's School of Science
🧠
NGSS-Aligned, Inquiry-Based Curriculum
The Program

An Immersive Research Experience Like No Other

Teachers train with scientists and then help lead a concurrent high‑school neuroscience lab course at CSS (student tuition is handled through CSS).

🔬

Live Electrophysiology

Record real neural signals from invertebrate models using professional-grade SpikerBox equipment in guided lab sessions.

🏛️

Woods Hole Research Hub

Train in Woods Hole — a concentrated research community that includes the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL). Hosted at the Children's School of Science and built for hands‑on lab work.

🎓

Three MBL-Trained PhD Mentors

Visiting scientists with expertise in high-school neuroscience serve as your mentors throughout the program.

📊

Original Research Projects

Inquiry-based. Design and execute your own group research project on local invertebrates, culminating in a formal presentation.

🧪

Neuropharmacology

Explore how drugs and chemicals affect neuronal signaling through carefully designed experiments.

📈

Data Analysis Skills

Learn scientific data recording, analysis techniques, and how to communicate research findings effectively.

Hands-on neuroscience workshop
Why This Program

Run by Backyard Brains & Children's School of Science

  • ✓
    Taught at the Children's School of Science Woods Hole's beloved CSS — educating curious minds since 1913
  • ✓
    NGSS-Aligned, Inquiry-Based Curriculum Materials from our forthcoming book Foundations of Neuroscience: A High School Curriculum for Inquiry and Discovery (NSTA Press / Taylor & Francis, 2027), built on the 2025 pilot program
  • ✓
    Co‑teaching Experience Work with CSS students in small lab teams while being mentored by PhD scientists
  • ✓
    Take‑Home Equipment 6 Neuron SpikerBox kits per teacher (approx. $900 value) to keep for your classroom
  • ✓
    Capstone Presentations Student teams present original projects at the end — and teachers leave with a classroom-ready version of the curriculum
3-Week Schedule

Your Summer of Neuroscience

July 20 – August 6, 2026 at the Children's School of Science, Woods Hole, MA

1

Foundations

July 20 – 26

Arrive, settle in, and dive into neuroscience fundamentals. Learn spike recording and stimulation techniques in daily morning classes. Explore the basics of neuronal signaling.

2

Guided Research

July 26 – August 2

Apply your skills in guided research projects. Develop data analysis techniques, attend scientist seminars, and propose your own group research project by end of week.

3

Independent Projects

August 2 – 6

Execute your own research project using everything you've learned. Collect data, analyze results, and present your findings at the final presentation day.

Globally Recognized

Science Trusted Worldwide

Backyard Brains' equipment and methodology have been featured on the world's biggest stages, trusted by educators and scientists everywhere.

9

Official TED Presentations

Our equipment, vision, and experiments have been presented on the global TED stage nine times, inspiring millions of viewers worldwide.

Watch on TED →
Grant

Supported by The Grass Foundation

This teacher training is supported by a grant from The Grass Foundation and held at the Children's School of Science in Woods Hole.

About The Grass Foundation →
MIT

Press Bestseller

Authors of "How Your Brain Works" published by MIT Press — bringing neuroscience experiments to everyone, from classrooms to living rooms.

View Book →
Who Is This For

Who Should Apply?

Middle & high school educators (Grades 6–12), community college instructors, and local teachers commutable to Woods Hole — no prior neuroscience experience required.

🧬
Middle & High School Educators (Grades 6–12)
🌊
Local to Cape Cod / Woods Hole Area
🎓
Community College Instructors
💡
No Neuroscience Background Required
Testimonials

What Participants Say

Hear from educators and students who have experienced Backyard Brains programs firsthand.

★★★★★
"A completely transformative experience. Made science fun again! My students were recording real neurons within the first hour."
Program Participant
High School Educator
★★★★★
"I finally have the skills and confidence to bring neuroscience into my classroom. The kits are incredible — students are engaged from day one."
Program Participant
Science Teacher
★★★★★
"Working alongside PhD scientists was priceless. This program changed how I think about science and teaching science."
Program Participant
STEM Educator
Get Started

Apply Now

Tell us about yourself and why you're interested in this neuroscience teacher training at Woods Hole. We'll keep you updated on application details, deadlines, and program news.

  • No commitment required — just express interest
  • Priority notification when applications open
  • Program updates and important dates
  • Direct connection to program coordinators
Questions? Contact Greg Gage: greg@backyardbrains.com
Apply Now

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all! The program is designed to train you from the ground up. You'll learn the fundamentals alongside PhD scientists who specialize in teaching these concepts to beginners.

The program is run by Backyard Brains and the Children's School of Science in Woods Hole, MA.

The 2026 program runs from Saturday, July 20 to Saturday, August 6 — a total of three weeks during CSS Session B.

There's no cost to you — teachers receive a $3,000 stipend and 6 Neuron SpikerBox kits (approx. $900 value) to keep for their classrooms. Housing and meal stipends are available for out-of-town teachers.

Teachers will learn to set up and run in-class neuroscience labs, receive 6 Neuron SpikerBox kits for their classrooms, build a network of peers and mentors, and gain the skills to integrate inquiry-based neuroscience into their curriculum.

No. We welcome any science, STEM, or CTE educator interested in bringing live electrophysiology and neurobiology into their curriculum — biology, physics, chemistry, or other subjects.

Ready to Explore Neuroscience This Summer?

Spots are limited to 4 teachers. Apply today.

Apply Now →
↑