The Sacramento Brain Bee
neuroscience competition
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The core of the Sacramento Brain Bee consists of the five competition sections, which explore students' knowledge of both theory and practice, in research neuroscience and medical neurology. Expert Neuroscientists will judge the competition at every level. All competition media will be presented in English, but further time will be allowed for ESL students (English as a Second Language). Students may only participate in one local Brain Bee per year.
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Upon registration, student participants receive additional information about the study materials, judging expectations, sample questions, and competition format.
Competition Details
Study Materials
All questions will be derived from these two texts:
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"Brain Facts" 2018 Edition, published and made freely available by the Society for Neursocience.
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“The 2020 Sacramento Brain Bee Study Guide" by Brain Bee Organizers, freely available to confirmed student participants (password required)
COMPETITION SECTIONS
Written
A 10-question multiple-choice and short-answer quiz, to be completed in 10 minutes. Questions may involve graphical analysis and reasoning.
Anatomy
A neuroanatomy practical exam with human brain tissues. 60 seconds are granted at each station to provide structure names and/or basic functions.
Histology
Human brain and nervous tissues will be displayed under microscopes. Students must identify the structures by name and/or describe the basic functions of the tissue.
Diagnosis
Video footage of patients will be shown alongside a written medical history. Students may request results from two lab or imaging exams to aid in the diagnosis.
Live Q&A
The judging panel will pose questions to the group, occasionally with projected visual components. Students are given 15 seconds to provide their answers.
Competition Rules
The Sacramento Brain Bee expects a high standard of integrity from each student participant. Absolutely zero tolerance will be demonstrated toward acts of cheating. From the audience, as well, no recording devices will be permitted. Professional photography of the event will be available online following the event.
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Upon arrival to the UC Davis Medical Center, student participants will receive extended and updated rules for each competition section. At the start of each section, the neuroscientist judges will provide an overview of the rules. Official timekeepers will oversee that all questions are complete within the allotted times. For example, during the Neuroanatomy Section, students will rotate every 60 seconds between table stations, each with one brain and one affiliated question. During the Live Question and Answer Section, different questions may be allotted different lengths of time, which will be clearly stated during the event. Responses will be graded as correct or incorrect: no partial credit will be granted. Incomplete answers are counted as zero points.
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The weight of each Competition Section is listed below:
Live Q&A: 25%
Written Quiz: 25%
Diagnosis: 15%
Anatomy: 25%
Histology: 10%
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Contestants may bring their personal writing instruments, such as pens, pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpeners. Not permitted are mobile phones, calculators (including watches with built-in calculators), other electronic devices, or any written materials.
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Expert Judging Panel
Prizes
1st Invitation to represent Sacramento at the National Brain Bee
Up to $400 total will be reimbursed for travel and registration fees for nationals
$100 Amazon Gift Card
Champion's Trophy and an Award Medal
2nd $50 Amazon Gift Card and an Award Medal
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3rd $40 Amazon Gift Card and an Award Medal
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4th $30 Amazon Gift Card and an Award Medal
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5th $20 Amazon Gift Card and an Award Medal
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All participants:
Certificate and Participation Bag with scientific gifts