WeGo Innovate is pleased to announce that the GH4STEM JUNEOS Challenge has been selected as one of nine innovations at the call for UN STI Forum 2021. The UN STI Forum is an annual Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals. The STI Forum is a discussion and networking platform for different actors in the field of science, technology and innovation to address technology needs and gaps, scientific cooperation, innovation and capacity building in order to enhance development.

The GH4STEM JUNEOS Challenge is a practical STEM TV Series that features Junior High School students (65% girls) across Ghana who bring STEM theories to life using materials from the local environment.

The GH4STEM JUNEOS Challenge was successful due to the support and dedication of our collaborators. Well, they say it takes a village to raise a child and indeed our little but mighty village did raise a child for the world to recognise.

We would like to show our utmost appreciation to our partners GHScientific, Ghana Association of Science Teachers (GAST) and regional chairs of GAST, The Exploratory, Ghana Stem Network and the WeGo Innovate team.

To our judges, Mr. Sam Agudogo, Madam Berthy Buah and Dr. Thomas Tagoe, from the bottom of our hearts we say Thank you! To our annotators, Robert Nii Ayi Aryee, Eunice Nyarko, Saviour Okine, Michael Okyere and Simon Odonkor, we are appreciative of your efforts!

Thank you to our supporting partners like the Ghana Education Service (GES), Futures for Kids, Ghana Society for Education Technology (GSET), West African Centre for Cell Biology and Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), BloggingGhana, mfidie.com, Writers Project of Ghana, Next Einstein Forum, Bar Camp Ghana and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) for your assistance.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku for literally lending her voice and support for the show. Also to our celebrities and friends in the media including Serwaa Amihere, Regina Van-Helvert, Kojo Yankson, Aj Sarpong, James Gardiner, John Dumelo, Francis Abban and Daniel Dadzie, you all really did bring your ‘A’ game!

To our partner media houses TV3, GNTV Junior, Dominion TV, Hope Channel Ghana, Joy Prime and Joy Learning you took the Juneos Challenge into different homes and made it possible for students all over! Thank you!

To every individual or group that supported us financially by donating on our GoFundMe Platform, Thank you so much! 

Most importantly, our gratitude goes to every student and teacher that participated and carried out their experiments! Also, to the entire education ecosystem and to our viewers across Ghana and the world we are grateful!

THANK YOU for making the GH4STEM JUNEOS CHALLENGE a success!!!

The post GH4STEM JUNEOS CHALLENGE – UN STI FORUM 2021 WINNER appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Empty Wallet Syndrome – Episode 5, Campus Culture

Empty Wallet Syndrome?? Make budgets and keep improving them. Don’t spend all your pocket money in the first week. Don’t be pressured into spending all of your money. Be money smart to avoid Empty Wallet Syndrome Dr. Prisicilla K. Mante advises. Do you have a budget?

Synopsis
You know that guy who always blows through a semester’s worth of pocket money in the first week?? Don’t let that be you!!!  Trust me, I’ve been there and it’s not fun. Here’s what you should do…three words. Budget! … Budget!! … Budget!!! … Yeah I know, that’s one word. But it is important you think of it three times.

You’ll have difficulties in your first month because you’re new to life on campus but you need to take your time and study the terrain in order to navigate it like Schumacher on a Formula 1 track. Make budgets and keep improving them until you get the perfect one. Be prepared for such unexpected situations. Remember, it’s always better to have excess money than no money. Don’t be peer pressured into falling into tough times. Live within your means. Whenever your friends try to pressure you into going over budget, hit them with your best impression of Kevin Hart. Be money-smart!!

Campus Culture Episode List

Culture Matters – Episode 1 [8 Jan 2018]
Mentors and Mavens  – Episode 2 [22 Jan 2018]
Programs Offered – Episode 3 [5 Feb 2018]
Campus Job – Episode 4 [19 Feb 2018]

Bio of Dr. Priscilla K. Mante:

Dr. Priscilla K. Mante is a Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, KNUST, Kumasi. She is a Researcher with expertise in Neuropharmacology and has several publications to her credit. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and B. Pharm from KNUST, Kumasi. She is a recipient of various research grants including the University of Michigan STEM Seed Grant, DANIDA/BSU and IBRO Grants. She is also a fellow of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program. Dr. Mante is an experienced Pharmacist and a founding member of the Ghana Young Academy and the Ghana Neuroscience Society. She is an advocate for women in STEM and mental health, and her career goal is to find a cure for epilepsy. Like and follow Dr. Priscilla K. Mante: on twitter @mzz_Mante, on Facebook priscillamante and on instagram @dr_mrs_a.

The post Empty Wallet Syndrome appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Your Brain Has A GPS – Episode 4, Neuro Facts

Did you know you have a GPS in your brain? Wow! How does it feel to have an internal map in your head? Find out more as you watch how Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe explains how the GPS in your brain works!

Synopsis

Have you ever wondered how you are able to find your way around your house or city. Or how you know the route to work or church. Well it just so happens that you have a GPS in your brain, and I do not mean that figuratively.

A group of researchers found that a group of cells in your hippocampus where memory is formed, act as a GPS. This special group of cells are responsible for storing your location and direction of movement. When they looked for these cells in animals, they found that each of these cells turn on when the animal passes through a specific place in its environment, so they called them place cells.  Simple name really; This means, there is a group of cells that turn on when you exit your house and a different group when you take that first left at the junction. As you keep moving the groups keep changing and just like a GPS, you are able to tell exactly where you on your own internal map in your brain

Don’t forget to like, comment and share this video!

Neuro Facts Episode List

Left Versus Right Sides of the Brain – Episode 1 [15 Jan 2018]

Brain And Size Of Neurones – Episode 2 [29 Jan 2018]

Synesthesia – Episode 3 [12 Feb 2018]

Bio of Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe

Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe is a lecturer at the Physiology Department of the University of Ghana. His expertise covers various aspects of neuroscience, with a special interest in how the brain changes in response to experiences. Thomas holds a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Leicester and has multiple international publications to his name. He is also a science communicator with a passion to share science with others, this has led to features on CNN, BBC, JOY Prime and regular appearances on the StarrFM science-based show, The Horizon. Thomas also oversees operations at GhScientific, an organisation he co-founded to help others build capacity in science, technology, engineering and math through public engagement and outreach activities. Like and follow Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe: on twitter @Tom_DAT and on Facebook tom.tagoe

The post Well it just so happens that you have a GPS in your brain appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Campus Job – Episode 4, Campus Culture

A campus job that doesn’t affect your academic affairs can help you learn more in an industry and earn you some extra cash, Dr. Priscilla K. Mante advises. Do you have a campus job?

Synopsis
I’m sure you’re saying my parents send me money every week so what do I need a job on campus for? Well, getting a job on campus is not only about making some extra cash but it’s also a way to rack up some work experience and build your CV. In a world where employers expect you to have seven years working experience with software that has only been out for three years, it doesn’t hurt to have a lot of experience under your belt. Think of it as being paid to build your CV and learn how to produce under pressure. Check out the various job openings available on campus and apply for the convenient ones. Make sure it is flexible enough to not affect your academic work and progressive enough to help you improve yourself as a person. Besides, the famous rapper Lil Wayne once said, ‘too much money is not enough money,’ and if anyone should know about something like that it’s him.

Don’t forget to like, comment and share this video!

Campus Culture Episode List

Culture Matters – Episode 1 [8 Jan 2018]
Mentors and Mavens  – Episode 2 [22 Jan 2018]
Programs Offered – Episode 3 [5 Feb 2018]

Bio of Dr. Priscilla K. Mante:

Dr. Priscilla K. Mante is a Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, KNUST, Kumasi. She is a Researcher with expertise in Neuropharmacology and has several publications to her credit. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and B. Pharm from KNUST, Kumasi. She is a recipient of various research grants including the University of Michigan STEM Seed Grant, DANIDA/BSU and IBRO Grants. She is also a fellow of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program. Dr. Mante is an experienced Pharmacist and a founding member of the Ghana Young Academy and the Ghana Neuroscience Society. She is an advocate for women in STEM and mental health, and her career goal is to find a cure for epilepsy. Like and follow Dr. Priscilla K. Mante: on twitter @mzz_Mante, on Facebook priscillamante and on instagram @dr_mrs_a.

The post Want to gain more experience and build your CV? Then take a campus job appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Synesthesia – Episode 3, Neuro Facts

A condition called synesthesia, In its mild forms, letters or numbers will always appear like they have a color. Find out more as Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe explains Synesthesia.

Synopsis

That squishy organ which sits between your ears and better known as your brain communicates mainly via electricity. The light you see, the sounds you hear and the food you taste all turn into electricity. So what happens when some of the wires cross? Will you be able to see sounds or even taste colors?

Well there is a condition called synesthesia, In its mild forms, letters or numbers will always appear like they have a color, so the letter A will always appear red for example. In extreme cases hearing specific sounds like a piano key or a car horn will evoke a certain color. It doesn’t end there, some people can taste colors or feel sounds. For example, one man who has synesthesia said the color blue tastes like beef.

Next time you listen to some music, pause and think about how amazing it will be if all your others senses could also be tuned in to the same sound. Or imagine being able to hear your food even as you taste and smell it.

Don’t forget to like, comment and share this video!

Neuro Facts Episode List

Left Versus Right Sides of the Brain – Episode 1 [15 Jan 2018]

Brain And Size Of Neurones – Episode 2 [29 Jan 2018]

Bio of Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe

Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe is a lecturer at the Physiology Department of the University of Ghana. His expertise covers various aspects of neuroscience, with a special interest in how the brain changes in response to experiences. Thomas holds a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Leicester and has multiple international publications to his name. He is also a science communicator with a passion to share science with others, this has led to features on CNN, BBC, JOY Prime and regular appearances on the StarrFM science-based show, The Horizon. Thomas also oversees operations at GhScientific, an organisation he co-founded to help others build capacity in science, technology, engineering and math through public engagement and outreach activities. Like and follow Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe: on twitter @Tom_DAT and on Facebook tom.tagoe

The post one man who has synesthesia said the color blue tastes like beef appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Programs Offered – Episode 3, Campus Culture

In the episode Programs Offered, Dr Priscilla K. Mante says don’t have headaches, cry yourself to sleep or even breakdown over programs offered for your first degree.

Synopsis
Did you know that your first degree shouldn’t be a do or die affair? So many people are not working in the field of their first degree. Dr. Priscilla Mante has advised that students shouldn’t be worried that programs offered by the University of their choice is not what they hoped for. Weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s best for you. You still have the opportunity to choose another degree for your Masters or even PhD. There are lots of people stuck behind bank counters with degrees in English. Emeli Sande has a degree in neuroscience which has no significant effects on her career as a singer. Mr. Chow from the Hangover series is a licensed medical doctor.

Don’t forget to like and share this video!
 

Campus Culture Episode List

Culture Matters – Episode 1 [8 Jan 2018]
Mentors and Mavens  – Episode 2 [22 Jan 2018]

Bio of Dr. Priscilla K. Mante:

Dr. Priscilla K. Mante is a Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, KNUST, Kumasi. She is a Researcher with expertise in Neuropharmacology and has several publications to her credit. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and B. Pharm from KNUST, Kumasi. She is a recipient of various research grants including the University of Michigan STEM Seed Grant, DANIDA/BSU and IBRO Grants. She is also a fellow of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program. Dr. Mante is an experienced Pharmacist and a founding member of the Ghana Young Academy and the Ghana Neuroscience Society. She is an advocate for women in STEM and mental health, and her career goal is to find a cure for epilepsy.

Like and follow Dr. Priscilla K. Mante: on twitter @mzz_Mante, on Facebook priscillamante and on instagram @dr_mrs_a.

The post Programs Offered, the horrible, horrible truth appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Brain And Size Of Neurones – Episode 2, Neuro Facts

Brain and size of neurones, did you know that your brain weighs about 1.5kg (about 3 sizes of satchet water)? However, the size of your brain doesn’t matter, as the content do. Learn more by watching this video as Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe explains brain and size of neurones – human and elephant brain side by side.

Synopsis

For the average person, your brain weighs about 1.5kg  that is about the same weight of 3 sachets of pure water.  Your brain is about 4 times smaller than the brain of an elephant but we all know who is smarter. When it comes to intelligence, the size of your brain does not matter so much, the advantage that we as humans have over everyone else is that we have more cells tightly packed together in our brain compared to other animals. Don’t forget to like, comment and share this video!

Bio of Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe:

Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe is a lecturer at the Physiology Department of the University of Ghana. His expertise covers various aspects of neuroscience, with a special interest in how the brain changes in response to experiences. Thomas holds a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Leicester and has multiple international publications to his name. He is also a science communicator with a passion to share science with others, this has led to features on CNN, BBC, JOY Prime and regular appearances on the StarrFM science-based show, The Horizon. Thomas also oversees operations at GhScientific, an organisation he co-founded to help others build capacity in science, technology, engineering and math through public engagement and outreach activities.

Like and follow Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe: on twitter @Tom_DAT and on Facebook tom.tagoe

The post Brain And Size Of Neurones: Human And Elephant Brain Side By Side appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Mentors and Mavens – Episode 2, Campus Culture

In this video, Dr Priscilla K. Mante says you should get acquainted to the people who have already figured out how to survive on campus and learn from them, these people are called mentors and mavens.

Synopsis

Mentors  and Mavens are individuals who guide other people based on the knowledge and experience they already have. Dr. Priscilla K. Mante has advised that as a student you should intentionally seek mentors as no one is born knowing everything; everyone needs help. Do you have a mentor or a maven? Don’t forget to like and share this video!

Bio of Dr. Priscilla K. Mante:

Dr. Priscilla K. Mante is a Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, KNUST, Kumasi. She is a Researcher with expertise in Neuropharmacology and has several publications to her credit. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and B. Pharm from KNUST, Kumasi. She is a recipient of various research grants including the University of Michigan STEM Seed Grant, DANIDA/BSU and IBRO Grants. She is also a fellow of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program. Dr. Mante is an experienced Pharmacist and a founding member of the Ghana Young Academy and the Ghana Neuroscience Society. She is an advocate for women in STEM and mental health, and her career goal is to find a cure for epilepsy.

Like and follow Dr. Priscilla K. Mante: on twitter @mzz_Mante, on Facebook priscillamante and on instagram @dr_mrs_a.

The post Get connected to some mentors and mavens appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

Left Versus Right Sides of the Brain – Episode 1, Neuro Facts

It turns out your brain is wired up the same as everyone else and you start out with the same potential to be excellent mathematician or an excellent artist. In this video, Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe explains the activities that happen on the left versus right sides of your brain.

Synopsis

Do you know the difference between the left versus right sides of your brain? The brain is clearly split into two halves, leaving us with a left half and a right half called hemispheres. The two halves remain separate, except for a small bundle of fibres which serves as a bridge between the two. The two halves are mostly identical, with most areas having a copy in both the left and right halves. However, there are some minor differences, for example, your ability to understand language and do some logical reasoning mostly happens in the left while your ability to recognise faces and appreciate emotions mostly happens in the right.  Find out more about what happens on the left versus right side of your brain as Dr Thomas A. Tagoe explains this.

Don’t forget to like, comment on, and share this video!

Bio of Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe:

Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe is a lecturer at the Physiology Department of the University of Ghana. His expertise covers various aspects of neuroscience, with a special interest in how the brain changes in response to experiences. Thomas holds a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Leicester and has multiple international publications to his name. He is also a science communicator with a passion to share science with others, this has led to features on CNN, BBC, JOY Prime and regular appearances on the StarrFM science-based show, The Horizon. Thomas also oversees operations at GhScientific, an organisation he co-founded to help others build capacity in science, technology, engineering and math through public engagement and outreach activities.

Like and follow Dr. Thomas A. Tagoe: on twitter @Tom_DAT and on Facebook tom.tagoe

The post What Happens on the Left versus Right Sides of your Brain? appeared first on WeGo Innovate.

There Is More to a Successful College Experience than Just Good Grades

As a member of faculty, each year I watch new students enter the university and many more leave. In between, I see many students struggle to adapt to both the social and learning environments. Having also experienced these struggles during my student years, I believe they can easily be turned into positive experiences with the right guidance. The right guidance will help students develop the right attitude, which will spark a chain reaction that will include an enjoyable experience in the university and a prosperous life after it.

It will also help change students’ perspectives on their circumstances and encourage optimism and positivity. Students will not only learn to overcome challenges but will expect and seek them out. It will help them acquire the necessary tools to build a strong and productive character. For students in new environments, it will help them get back control of their experience and confidence in their ability to persist despite the difficulties involved in pursuing a degree. In the end, I hope it helps them to not merely survive but master, thrive and above all enjoy the university experience. There is more to a successful college/university experience than just good grades.

Join me here on the “Knowing It” series every other Monday and let’s bridge the gaps in this educative journey together!

Campus Culture Episode List

Culture Matters – Episode 1 [8 Jan 2018]

Bio of Dr. Priscilla K. Mante

Dr. Priscilla K. Mante is a Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, KNUST, Kumasi. She is a Researcher with expertise in Neuropharmacology and has several publications to her credit. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and B. Pharm from KNUST, Kumasi. She is a recipient of various research grants including the University of Michigan STEM Seed Grant, DANIDA/BSU and IBRO Grants. She is also a fellow of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program. Dr. Mante is an experienced Pharmacist and a founding member of the Ghana Young Academy and the Ghana Neuroscience Society. She is an advocate for women in STEM and mental health, and her career goal is to find a cure for epilepsy. For more information about Dr. Priscilla K. Mante’s work read her scholarly articles.

Like and follow Dr. Priscilla K. Mante: on twitter @mzz_Mante, on Facebook priscillamante and on instagram @dr_mrs_a.

The post There is more to a successful college experience than just good grades appeared first on WeGo Innovate.