SACO — Gov. John Fairfield Elementary School second graders in Amy Tousignant’s class shrieked and giggled as University of New England medical student Rachel Draper and medical biology student Ashley Steinis dropped a cantaliz loupe cradled in a bicycle helmet.

The cantaloupe, dubbed Mr. Melon Head and decorated with a face drawn in black permanent marker, survived the fall. The two students dropped the melon again, without the helmet, and this time, Mr. Melon Head wasn’t so fortunate. He crashed to the floor and split open.

The college students’ demonstration was part of a presentation on brain health and education through the University of New England’s Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences outreach program. The outreach program began formally in 2009, though it was taking place informally for several years prior, according to Michael Burman, associate professor and director of the program.

“Reaching these young children is one of my favorite things to do because it can help on so many levels,” said Burman. “If children are shown at a young age the need for brain-healthy behaviors, the benefits will last a lifetime,” he said.

Also, he said it increases interest in STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and STEM-related jobs are among the fastest growing and highest paying.

Burman read “Your Fantastic Elastic Brain” to the students, a book that teaches about the brain and explains brain growth.

He and the UNE students demonstrated guidelines for proper bicycle helmet fitting and the Fairfield students colored pictures of brains.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.