Launch
Students will launch the Brain and Identity project by examining real neuroscience images and ideas from a UCSD neuroscientist, then use observation, discussion, and a first ink or watercolor response to connect brain anatomy to personal identity and generate focused questions for later investigation.
Days 1 - 2
🧠 UCSD Brain Images Hook
Launch 45m
🎨 Ink Identity Response
Deliverable 45m
Question And Method
Students will refine a focused brain-and-identity investigation question, study how researchers and artists document evidence, test methods for gathering anatomy and perception data, and build a peer-reviewed plan for how they will collect, record, and translate evidence into a watercolor or ink artwork.
Days 3 - 8
🧠 Brain Cases to Research Questions
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
🔎 Evidence Maps for Brain Functions
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
💬 UCSD Method Critique Panel
Community Experience 45m
🎨 Ink Tests for Scientific Meaning
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
📝 Question and Method Draft Board
Deliverable 45m
✅ Investigation Plan Approval
Assessment 45m
Collect Evidence
Students will gather traceable evidence for their brain-and-identity investigations by documenting anatomical observations, source-based findings, and expert input, then test the quality of that evidence through peer critique and a midpoint checkpoint before continuing collection.
Days 9 - 13
🧠 Brain Atlas Evidence Check
Knowledge/Skill Building 35m
🔎 Source Set Evidence Sprint
Research 45m
🎓 UCSD Neuroscientist Q&A Notes
Community Experience 45m
🗂️ Evidence Log Peer Round
Deliverable 45m
✅ Midpoint Notebook Gate
Assessment 45m
Analyze And Present
Students will analyze their collected brain and identity evidence, test interpretations against peer and expert critique, refine their watercolor or ink artwork to match their scientific claims, and prepare a concise evidence-based presentation that names conclusions, limitations, and new questions.
Days 14 - 18
📊 Pattern Maps from Brain Evidence
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
🧠 Claim-Evidence Debate Protocol
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
🎨 Watercolor Meaning Revision
Project Work 45m
📝 Artist-Scientist Statement Draft
Deliverable 45m
🎤 UCSD Mini Symposium Rehearsal
Community Experience 45m
Showcase
Students will present their Brain and Identity watercolor or ink artworks and artist-scientist statements to an authentic audience, defend how their evidence supports their interpretation of brain function and identity, and complete a final evidence-based reflection on limitations and next questions.
Days 19 - 20
🖼️ Brain and Identity Exhibition
Assessment 45m
🧠 Evidence and Limits Reflection
Deliverable 45m