SBIR Phase I: Development of a STEM Educational Platform Using Electronic Neuron Simulators

SBIR 第一阶段：使用电子神经元模拟器开发 STEM 教育平台

• 批准号: 1548734
• 负责人: Joseph Burdo
• 金额: $ 15万
• 依托单位: NeuroTinker, LLC
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2016
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2016-01-01 至 2016-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1548734&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: SBIR; Phase; Development; STEM; Educational

This SBIR Phase I project seeks to develop, manufacture, and evaluate a novel nervous system simulation platform consisting of freely connectable electronic neuron modules. These devices will be used in the post-secondary classroom to further students conceptual grasp of neuroscience and physiology, and to generate lasting enthusiasm for a career path centered on the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) sector. Per a 2012 study by the Department of Education, undergraduate STEM major retention rates are only 35% from initial declaration through graduation. Studies have shown that unengaging introductions to STEM are partially to blame. We believe that our product's positive effect on new knowledge formation and student enthusiasm for STEM has the ability to increase this low retention. We also believe that our company will grow at a similar rate to our benchmark companies in STEM and neuroscience education which, after approximately five years in business, each have several dozen employees and aggregate sales greater than $1 million dollars. Our Phase I proposal involves undergraduate student construction of neural networks, including a patellar tendon (knee-jerk) reflex using our neuron simulators, and evaluation of student learning and interest in STEM gains resulting from that construction. At the heart of our neuron simulator is an Atmel 8-bit AVR RISC-based microcontroller. LEDs integrated into the circuit board provide feedback about the virtual "membrane voltage" level. Similar to real neurons, individual simulators are connected together through axon outputs and excitatory or inhibitory dendritic connectors integrated into each board. The flexibility of the simulator connection pattern can lead to numerous nerve network possibilities, supporting our belief that our neuron simulators are connector toys for the nervous system.

该SBIR第一阶段项目旨在开发、制造和评估一种由可自由连接的电子神经元模块组成的新型神经系统仿真平台。这些设备将用于大专课堂，以加深学生对神经科学和生理学的概念性理解，并激发以科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)领域为中心的职业道路的持久热情。根据教育部2012年的一项研究，从最初的申报到毕业，本科生STEM专业的保留率只有35%。研究表明，STEM不引人入胜的介绍是部分原因。我们相信，我们的产品对新知识的形成和学生对STEM的热情具有积极的作用，有能力增加这种低保留率。我们还相信，我们公司的增长速度将与我们在STEM和神经科学教育领域的基准公司类似，这两家公司在运营约五年后，每家公司都拥有数十名员工，总销售额超过100万美元。我们的第一阶段计划涉及本科生构建神经网络，包括使用我们的神经元模拟器的膝盖腱(膝跳)反射，以及评估学生对该构建所产生的STEM学习和兴趣的兴趣。我们神经元模拟器的核心是一个基于Atmel 8位AVR RISC的微控制器。集成到电路板中的LED提供有关虚拟“膜电压”电平的反馈。与真实神经元类似，各个模拟器通过轴突输出和集成到每个板上的兴奋性或抑制性树突连接器连接在一起。模拟器连接模式的灵活性可以导致许多神经网络的可能性，支持我们的信念，即我们的神经元模拟器是神经系统的连接器玩具。