Brainwaves 2026: Igniting Innovation with Brain-Based Learning & Action Research Symposium
Monday, Mar 23, 2026
This workshop is proudly offered through the Center for Educational Strategy & Innovation at Florida Atlantic Laboratory Schools, a hub for advancing research-driven educational practices.
During this event, the morning sessions will host several workshops and the afternoon session will consist of an Action Research Symposium. All first time attendees must participate in the foundational “Teaching with the Brain in Mind” workshop.
Teaching with the Brain in Mind
This immersive professional development opportunity bridges neuroscience and education, empowering educators to enhance student success through evidence-based practices. Participants will explore the intricate connections between brain anatomy, cognition, and learning processes, drawing on cutting-edge imaging studies and scientific research to inform their teaching methods and lesson designs. The seminar delves into how cognitive development evolves with age, social maturation, emotional growth, and cognitive progression, providing teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing student learning. Armed with this knowledge, educators will acquire strategies to engage students effectively and foster learning experiences tailored to various developmental stages. During this event, the morning sessions will host several workshops and the afternoon session will consist of an Action Research Symposium. All first-time attendees must participate in the foundational “Teaching with the Brain in Mind” workshop. The concurrent sessions include:
- Teaching with the Brain in Mind
- Both Sides of the Brain: An artistic approach to STEM for all teachers
- Next Level Action Research: Publication, Mentoring, and Creating Research Networks at Your School Site
A key component of the day is the introduction to action research as a powerful reflective tool for educators. Participants will learn how to implement this approach to continuously refine their teaching practices, creating more impactful and enriching learning environments for their students. This transformative experience equips teachers to integrate cutting-edge neuroscience insights into their classrooms, positioning them as architects of brain-centric educational experiences. The workshop emphasizes practical applications, including the use of movement, visuals, music, and props to appeal to multiple intelligences and enhance learning. Participants will explore brain-compatible teaching techniques that promote positive learning experiences, such as incorporating relevance, emotion, and contextual coherence into lessons. They will also learn about the importance of processing activities, immediate feedback, and review strategies to support long-term memory formation.
This event will culminate in a Research Symposium where teachers will have the opportunity to share their action research projects. This addition will create a platform for educators to showcase their findings, exchange ideas, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on brain-based learning practices.
FACILITATORS : Dr. David Cinalli , Dr. Jennifer Krill , Dr. Michelle Vaughan-McGovern
Both Sides of the Brain: An artistic approach to STEM for all teachers
Explore technology and engineering through critical problem solving and an artistic perspective. Encourage the blending of analytical skills with creative expression to approach real world problems in an interdisciplinary manner. Investigate basic art concepts such as color mixing, printing, and paper making as well as activities like the ones suggested as follows:
Design and Build a Mathematical Art Sculpture using geometric principles to create a sculpture that demonstrates symmetry and proportions. Explore mathematical concepts like Fibonacci sequences and tessellation patterns found in the real world using materials such as wire, paper, or cardboard to create structures.
Demonstrate the Beauty of Biomimicry by creating a design inspired by nature's solutions to problems. Participants will explore the beauty and efficiency of biomimicry in nature, like the structure of a beehive or the aerodynamic shape of a bird’s wing to design their own artwork inspired by these natural designs.
Design and Build a Rube Goldberg Machine using simple machines like levers and pulleys to accomplish a creative task and demonstrate energy transfer and the physics of forces and motion. Participants will focus on the artistic design and creative problem-solving in making the chain reaction visually interesting.
Design and Build an Electrical Circuit poster, canvas, or card by integrating circuit components and LED lights into a structure with color and imagery.
Explore Interactive Data Visualizations using easy programming tools like Scratch to create interactive data visualizations through the use of color and shape. Participants collect data and use it to create interactive visuals that allow creative exploration of the data and the parametric relationships the data represents.
FACILITATORS : Engineers on Deck
Next Level Action Research: Publication, Mentoring, and Creating Research Networks at Your School Site
FACILITATORS : Dr. Michelle Vaughan-McGovern