education resources

real science. real skills. real pathways forward.

Bring our high-quality, openly available, science to the classroom. Our Education Resources are developed with the same open datasets, tools, and approaches Allen Institute scientists use every day, giving students hands‑on experience with authentic research.

Developed in collaboration with scientists and educators, these free resources support instruction in neuroscience, cell biology, and immunology while helping students build the skills they need for careers in science, technology, and graduate study.

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Colorful cross-section of a mouse brain showing neural tissue with pink, blue, and orange regions.

Database Guide

Database Guide | Allen Brain Cell (ABC) Atlas

An in-depth guide on how to use the ABC Atlas to ask and evaluate research questions

Grid of digitally generated neurons with branching dendrites in white, green, cyan, and blue colors

Lesson(s)

Building realistic neurons with pipe cleaners

Create authentic models of neurons using low-cost craft materials

Laptop displaying code on desk with blurred people collaborating in background office setting.

Interactive Activity

Teaching and learning with python

Explore resources to introduce undergraduate students in the life sciences to Python programming

Black and white microscopic view of interconnected cells and particles in dark space

Video

How scientists see neurons fire with 2-photon calcium imaging

Join our scientists in the lab to walk through the 2-photon calcium imaging pipeline

Colorful pixelated grid pattern with purple, yellow, black, and olive tones in mosaic layout

Explainer

What is omics?

Explore the branch of research known as “omics“– including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics

Colorful neural network visualization with branching patterns on gradient grid surface.

Lesson(s)

Defining cell types using transcriptomics, morphology, and electrophysiology

Overview of how multi-modal data is gathered to define cell types in the brain

Microscopic view of cells with fibrous cytoplasm and dark nuclei

Lesson Plan

A virtual laboratory on cell division

Explore the process of mitosis by analyzing real cell images

Histological cross-section of human ear and cerebellum tissue stained with purple dye

Lesson Plan

Exploring pathways in the brain

Explore open access datasets on neuroanatomy, gene expression, and brain connectivity

Cross-section of human brain showing cerebral hemispheres and internal structures on black background

Lesson(s)

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Explore how scientists study Alzheimer’s disease using transcriptomics and immunolabeling

Scientific microscopy setup with illuminated optical equipment and sample preparation components

Publication

A case study in the search for epilepsy therapeutics

Read about how undergraduate educators used the Allen Cell Types Database to create an in-class case study

Colorful scattered paint splatters and brush strokes in various colors on white background.

Explainer

What is a UMAP?

Learn how to interpret and analyze these colorful 2-dimensional graphs

Chocolate chip cookies baking on dark baking sheet or parchment paper.

Lesson Plan

Brain donation & bioethics

Learn about the process of brain donation and the importance of bioethics in neuroscience research

Gloved hand holding brush pointing to brain scan X-ray on dark background

Publication

Sleepy mice case study

Read about how undergraduate educators used open neuroscience data to create an in-class case study

Grid of colorful cells with purple, green, and pink hues on dark background

Lesson(s)

Cell biology bingo

Play a bingo game by identifying structures and organelles in real cell images

Lab technician working in biosafety cabinet with scientific equipment and supplies

Lesson Plan

Introduction to immunology

Learn about a common technique used to study the immune system through a model-building activity

3D printer nozzle depositing glowing green material onto a precision platform at night

Lesson Plan

Using open data to teach neurophysiology

Read how Cornell University educators designed a research project using open data from the Allen Cell Types Database

Colorful brain visualization with thousands of glowing circles representing neural networks and connectivity patterns.

Lesson Plan

Independent student research using the Allen Brain Map

Explore how undergraduate students can conduct independent research using open gene expression data.

Digital audio waveform editor showing multiple colored audio tracks with vertical playhead indicator.

Lesson Plan

Using the Allen Brain Map to teach data science

Access individual lesson plans and a full-term data science course modeled around the open data featured in the Allen Brain Map

DNA sequencing data visualized with gene expression heatmap and astronomical galaxy images.

Database Guide

Open databases & tools

Explore Allen Institute datasets and tools aligned to national education frameworks

Heatmap showing five patient clusters with gene expression patterns, clinical symptoms, and disease status data.

Module

Primary literature analysis | Long COVID

A full module exploring proteomics and long COVID through a scaffolded, in-depth analysis of a primary literature article

3D medical visualization showing cross-section of heart with purple outer layer and cyan inner structures

Lesson Plan

Does organelle shape matter?

Learn how to analyze high-throughput cell datasets and interpret real cell images.

Coronal MRI brain scan showing cerebral hemispheres and ventricles in grayscale imaging

Lesson Plan

Brain Bingo

Play a bingo game in matching scientific images to neuroanatomy and cell features.

Lesson 3: Design Your Own Mitosis Experiment - Part 1

Lesson 4: Explore the Integrated Mitotic Stem Cell

Explore organelle localization throughout cell division using an interactive web-based tool.

education events

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event / July 19, 2026

Implementing Open Neuroscience Teaching Tools: Post-FUN Pedagogy Workshop

Join the Allen Institute for the "Implementing Open Neuroscience Teaching Tools" workshop at North Central College in Naperville, IL on July 19th, 2026.

event / July 23 - 24, 2026

Incorporating open connectomics data into teaching neuroscience

Join a community of undergraduate neuroscience educators at the Incorporating Open Connectomics data into teaching Neuroscience workshop on July 23 – July 24, 2026, hosted by the Allen Institute.

all events