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

SBIR一期项目旨在开发、制造和评估一种新型神经系统仿真平台，该平台由自由连接的电子神经元模块组成。这些设备将用于高等教育课堂，以进一步掌握神经科学和生理学的概念，并为科学、技术、工程和数学（STEM）领域的职业道路产生持久的热情。根据教育部2012年的一项研究，从最初申报到毕业，本科STEM专业的保留率只有35%。研究表明，对STEM缺乏吸引力的介绍是部分原因。我们相信我们的产品在新知识形成和学生对STEM的热情方面的积极作用有能力提高这种低保留率。我们也相信，我们的公司将以类似于我们在STEM和神经科学教育领域的基准公司的速度增长，经过大约五年的经营，每个公司都有几十名员工，总销售额超过100万美元。我们的第一阶段提案涉及本科生构建神经网络，包括使用我们的神经元模拟器进行髌骨肌腱（膝跳）反射，并评估学生的学习和对该构建产生的STEM收益的兴趣。我们的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提供关于虚拟“膜电压”水平的反馈。与真实的神经元类似，单个模拟器通过轴突输出和集成在每个板上的兴奋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。

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.