Phil Dye

'The Noggin' (series 1) is a 12-part STEM/Science/wellness video program for school students and teachers in Australia covering brain function, health and technology. Episodes will target different grade and ability levels from K-12. School access will be free.

Some history

Pre covid-19, Phil Dye (the brain guy) and his company Mindz Brainplay visited hundreds of schools teaching students of all ages about brain function, health and the future of brain controlled technology. An integral part of these sessions was placing fully safe electroencephalographs (EEGs) on the heads of students so they could see exactly what was happening inside their brain. They could even play a game against another student using only their thoughts to control the gaming characters. The amazing technology was also used to teach about meditation and the importance of exercise to a healthy brain. Content was alligned with some state education department outcome points.

'The Noggin'

With school visits now impossible due to covid-19 regulations, these brain education sessions must go digital in the form of a 12-part video series for schools. As well as essential brain education and fun, 'The Noggin' will focus on student wellness and brain health in these tricky times. Teacher information sheets will be downloadable for each episode.

During 'The Noggin', Phil will not just impart knowledge using the amazing EEGs to demonstrate, but have special guests targetting different school aged students. Children and teenagers will help demonstrate key points using the EEGs. The series will target specific age or grade ranges and these will be made clear for each episode. 'The Noggin' will be a first for brain education in Australian schools.

Some characteristics of 'The Noggin' are:

• No advertsing whatsoever yet sponsors will be listed in the credits, on 'The Noggin' Facebook page and on the Mindz Brainplay website. A major sponsor ($8,000+) may be mentioned in the program if one eventuates.
• Each episode aimed at a specific age or year group with some content crossing grades
  • 2 x episodes for years K-2
  • 2 x episodes for years 3/4
  • 2 x episodes for years 5/6
  • 2 x episodes for years 7/8
  • 2 x episodes for years 9/10
  • 2 x episodes for years 11/12
• Free teacher notes downloadable for each episode
• Each episode will be 30 minutes or less except for years 11/12 (40 minutes)
• The Noggin' will be free to schools via 'The Noggin' Youtube channel
• Play27 Media has offered heavily discounted video assistance

How will project success be measured?

The Aim

To have more than 2000 video views from Australian schools by the end of term 1, 2021 (approx. April 1 depending on state).

To have an overall teacher satisfaction rating of 80% plus in feedback surveys.

Teacher feedback

Teachers will have access to a Survey Monkey link where they can rate the program and leave comments. This is vital so that adjustments can be made for series 2. Teachers will need to provide a verifiable school email address in the survey for the response to be valid.

What is the timeline?

By October 28, 2020: Pozible Campaign close

By December 1, 2020: Episodes 1-4 complete

By January 1, 2021: Episodes 5-8 complete

By February 1, 2021: Episodes 9-12 complete

By February 8, 2021: Social media video completed

February 10, 2021: Facebook advertising and organic social media promotion begins

Teacher and student testimonials

"An absolutely incredible learning experience for students of all ages. Phil brings science alive with hands-on demonstrations and jaw dropping technologies. Highly recommended!" Talia Hoffman, Moriah College

"Phil was excellent with our students. The activities were well paced and very well explained and conducted".
Sean: Woodberry Learning Centre

“I think it was a great program. I learned a lot and I thought it was very fun and informative. I learned about all the different mental states and other things as well. I would recommend it to my friends as I think many people would enjoy it.”
Payton, Woonona High School Student

"An interesting and enriching lesson that had students engaged.  Extremely well presented."
Daniel, Barker College 

“This was a great experience to learn about our brain and realize how some activities can affect it. Not only a very informative session but funny and enjoyable.”
Stephany – Sydney

More testimonials can be seen at the Mindz Brainplay website.

Funds will be used for the following:

• Studio production costs: $1,100 per episode = $13,200 + gst
  • Phil Dye will be paid $450 + gst a week (via an ABN) for 12 weeks to produce, present and partially edit the series. Each episode will take approximately 50 hours to complete.
  • Production assistance will be limited to $250 + gst per episode
  • Play27 Media will create and add stings, effects and professional rendering with a limit of $320 + gst per episode.
  • Travel costs for guests (Uber or Ola only): $80 + gst per episode
• Social media video for teacher awareness: $500 + gst
• Facebook advertising to teachers: $400 + gst
• Graphic and set design: $400 + gst
• Contingency of 5% = $730

$15,230 + gst of $1,523.00 = Total inc gst of $16,753 (rounded down to $16,500)

What will happen if there are any excess funds?

Any money left over on the completion of the project will go towards The Noggin series 2 or be donated to The Brain Foundation.