How much does the average human brain weigh? Sixth-grade students at Davis Magnet School recently learned the answer while holding an actual brain as part of the school’s Medical Residency Day. The all-day event was held in partnership with Hoag Memorial Hospital and the University of California, Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM).

Davis’ academic focus on math, science, and technology makes the school the perfect environment for such interactive activities. Though the event has grown over the past 13 years, the focus on sharing real-world experiences with young minds remains a priority. 

“We study the human body as part of our science curriculum, and Medical Residency Day brings an unforgettable hands-on component to the students,” said sixth-grade teacher Lisa Holman. 

Students rotated among several stations throughout the day. Neurosurgeon and Director of Hoag Memorial Hospital’s Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program Dr. Robert Louis guided students through the basics of a brain tumor and a history of techniques used in brain surgeries before showing off the virtual reality software he regularly employs at the Newport Beach hospital.  

Hoag Cardiologist Dr. Jorge Castellanos gave a presentation on the heart before demonstrating how doctors use plastic tubing to put stents into patients’ veins. Students were then divided into groups and challenged to non-invasively mimic the procedure on a fellow student.  

Graduate students from the CNLM managed experiments using electrical signals from muscle activity, allowing students the experience of controlling another person’s arm movements or maneuvering a mechanical claw in stacking plastic cups. 

Students were also introduced to the history of famous neuroscience patient H.M., who helped advance theories about different forms of memory. Like H.M., students were tasked with tracing a five-pointed star with a double contour while only being able to see their hands and the star reflected in a mirror. Once they mastered the motor memory skills, students could add their own flourishes to the design. 

Students had the opportunity to dissect sheep hearts and brains under the guidance of teachers Megan Manning, Mike Hurley, and Emily Matthews, plus CNLM ambassadors. 

“Our students are fortunate to have this special opportunity to further what they’ve learned in the classroom under the guidance of medical professionals. I’m so grateful to our partners at Hoag and UCI for helping Davis to bring science to life,” said Holman.

Davis Magnet serves preschool and K-6 students from across the Newport-Mesa Unified School District boundaries. Visit the Davis website for more information. Additional photos from Medical Residency Day are available on our online photo repository.