All About the Brain Bee
The Bay Area Brain is an annual neuroscience competition for high school students that tests their knowledge of nervous system anatomy, as well as psychological and neurological disorders. The BABB is a part of the North American region of the International Brain Bee Consortium which was founded in Baltimore, MD in 1988 by Dr. Norbert Myslinski at the University of Maryland. This worldwide organization currently consists of 53 nations engaged in coordinating Brain Bee programs, and the number progressively increases. About 50,000 students participate across all six continents every year, and more than 600 neuroscientists have been involved with organizing and judging the events. The Brain Bee competition platform is organized on three levels: local, national, and international. Local scientific institutions are licensed by the International Brain Bee (IBB) to carry out regional events, engaging students from 14-18 years of age (grades 9-12).
The BABB is more than just a competition. We strive to open our competitors minds up the possibilities of a career in neuroscience or as a neurologist. Each year we recruit faculty and students in the Psychology and Biology departments to showcase the unique work in an Exhibitor Hall. This allows the students and their parents to explore the practical ways that neuroscience can impact your academic and professional lives. In previous years, we were also fortunate to have neuroscientists, doctors, and neurological professors as guest speakers to connect their work to the competitor's lives. The first annual Bay Area Brain Bee was in 2012.
Past Exhibitors:
The BABB is more than just a competition. We strive to open our competitors minds up the possibilities of a career in neuroscience or as a neurologist. Each year we recruit faculty and students in the Psychology and Biology departments to showcase the unique work in an Exhibitor Hall. This allows the students and their parents to explore the practical ways that neuroscience can impact your academic and professional lives. In previous years, we were also fortunate to have neuroscientists, doctors, and neurological professors as guest speakers to connect their work to the competitor's lives. The first annual Bay Area Brain Bee was in 2012.
Past Exhibitors:
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FAQ
Where is the Brain Bee?
The 9th annual 2020 Bay Area Brain Bee was held in the: California State University, East Bay 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94542 in the Valley Business and Technology Building When is the Brain Bee? The 2023 Bay Area Brain Bee will be on: Saturday, March 23 2024. Check-in begin at 9:00AM and close at 950am. |
Who can compete?
Only middle & high school students in grades 6-12 are eligible to compete. Do I have to pay to compete? Never! The Bay Area Brain Bee is 100% free to compete! What does the winner receive? The first place winner of the Brain Bee and a parent/guardian will receive the opportunity to compete in the National Brain Bee in April 2024. |
How do I get there? From North Bay or South Bay 1) Take 880 North/South towards Hayward/Oakland 2) Exit Jackson St. 3) Make a right on Soto Rd. 4) Make a left on Orchard Ave. 5) Continue straight onto Carlos Bee Blvd. 6) Merge right towards campus 7) Make a left at the first stop sign 8) Park in either Lot G or Lot H. No parking permit is required. Is parking free? All lots at Cal State East Bay are free on weekends. Where do I park? The 2024 Bay Area Brain Bee will be held in the Valley Business and Technology Building. Park in parking Lot G or Lot H for closest access. No parking permits are required on weekends. |
What happens on the day of the Brain Bee?
Here is a sample agenda of a typical Brain Bee:
What will I be tested on? The Brain Bee will only cover material from the Brain Facts book provided by BrainFacts.org. No other content will be covered. This is the ONLY study material you will need. Some sample questions are here. |
Do I need to have a parent/guardian with me?
All competitors are required to bring an adult with them to compete. It does not have to be your parent/guardian. However, your parent/guardian MUST sign your forms. Any students under the age of 18 and without an adult present will not be allowed to compete. Does my parent/guardian need to stay with me?
No, adults are welcome to stay and watch the competition, but they may also explore our beautiful campus or check out one of our exhibitors during the competition. Can I record the Brain Bee? No, electronic devices, devices with an internet connection, and devices that can record are not allowed and must be silenced or powered off during the competition. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the competition. For more information about rules, please see the National Brain Bee website. |
What is the competition format?
First Round Students have a limited time to complete a short, multiple-choice quiz on neurology and neuroscience. Questions will be based on content available in the Brain Facts book. Competitors who do not score above a certain score will be eliminated. |
Second Round
Students will have three strikes and must answer as many neuroscience questions as they can until a winner remains. Cal State East Bay's expert neuroscientists and neurology faculty will serve as content specialist judges. |
Students who get eliminated may stay and continue watching the competition as long as they abide by Official Brain Bee rules. Eliminated students may also take a tour of campus, enjoy lunch, or leave for the day.
If you have any other questions or concerns, we are happy to help!
Give us a shout on our contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
See you there!
Give us a shout on our contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
See you there!