For
Teachers
Find experiments, lesson materials and course resources for your classroom.
Classroom resourcesBuild a BrainBring it to LifeDrag neurons. Press play. No code.
SpikerBot is a creature you teach by wiring its neurons, not writing code. Change the connections, and you change its behavior!
Neuroscience unlocked
Find neuroscience experiments and resources for your classroom, college lab or family.
For
Professors
Explore lab investigations, lecture demonstrations and published teaching resources.
College lab resources
For
Parents
Discover science fair ideas and ways to explore neuroscience together at home.
Neuroscience at homeUncover the wonders of neuroscience!
From the finest critters to the digital realm, our product lines are your playground for delightful discoveries and hands-on learning.
See Neurons In Action
Experiment with the physical and electrical properties of neurons using our famous products!
Book: How Your Brain Works
Box of 3 Cockroaches
$13.00
Brain (EEG) Headband
$10.00
BYB Spike Recorder
Free
Cockroach Care Kit
$25.00
Electrode Gel
$25.00
Heart and Brain SpikerBox Classic
$189.99
READY TO
TRANSFORM
YOUR CLASSROOM
Experiment with the physical and electrical properties of neurons! Reproduce the science and make discoveries with Spikerbox!
Explore our most popular experiments
Dive into the captivating world of neuroscience with Backyard Brains! Our affordable kits enable learners of all ages to become neuroscientists.
Electromyography (EMG) : Hear and See Muscles in Action
Explore how neurons in your brain control muscle movements, powering every step, jump, and dance.
Wirelessly Control a Cyborg Cockroach
Ever wondered how devices like cochlear implants can use electricity to make people perceive sounds?
Control a Claw Neuroprosthetic
Experience a real-life brain-machine interface by using your forearm muscle signals to operate a robotic gripper!
Venus Flytrap Electrophysiology
Electrical impulses aren’t exclusive to animals. Plants like the Venus Flytrap also use electricity to interact with their environment.
WHAT DO PROFESSORS SAY?
Dr. Manuel Diaz-RiosProfessor of Neuroscience and Biology at Bowdoin College, Brunswick (ME)The greatest strength of the BYB lab kits is the DIY components and the fact that students have so many potential options for creating their own experiments (open-ended science). So, I can have students first use themselves or others as experimental subjects to test the BYB lab kits, which leads to discussion of the biological processes being activated/accessed. Then, I can help them come up with potential experiments to test/apply this knowledge.
AS FEATURED ON
The brain is complex, but extremely fascinating. The brain is the command center of our body, influencing every thought, emotion, action, and decision we make. Understanding how the brain works helps us unravel the mysteries behind human behavior, perception, learning, and health. By studying neuroscience, we can develop solutions for improving mental health, advancing learning techniques, and enhancing overall well-being. We need more people interested in studying the brain because 1 in 5 people are likely to develop a neurological disorder... and there are no cures!
With Backyard Brains’ hands-on neuroscience kits, anyone—from students and teachers to hobbyists and curious minds—can explore real brain activity and nervous system functions in engaging and accessible ways. Conduct fascinating experiments like controlling muscles with electrical signals, visualizing neuron activity, or even controlling a cockroach robot. No lab coat needed, just curiosity!
Our tools bridge neuroscience with everyday experiences, letting you directly observe and measure electrical signals from muscles, nerves, and neurons. Using simple equipment and clear instructions, you’ll learn firsthand about neural pathways, reflexes, and the electrical nature of your nervous system. Dive into neuroscience and see your own brain in action!