Brain Architecture
The human brain has many different parts. Each one plays a different function. But they all work together to manage complex thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Resources on Brains
3D illustration of human brain (illustrart, iStockphoto)
3D illustration of human brain (illustrart, iStockphoto)
How does this align with my curriculum?
Resource page including articles, videos, and career profiles related to brains.
Our brain is the most complex organ in our bodies. Although scientists now understand its basic architecture and components, there is still so much left to discover and understand. Neuroscientists and neurologists are the specialists working on research about brain's functions, diseases, abnormalities and how different substances act on our neurons. There are also cognitive psychologists that are trying to understand how our brains control our behaviours and how we memorize, process and learn information. A new era of cognitive science has even opened up with the rise of artificial intelligence in which scientists are trying to understand our brains by creating computer models to mimic human brain processes.
Although small, the world of brain science is a vast world filled with opportunity for discovery and understandoing our own species, evolution and possibly our future.
Read some of Let’s Talk Science resources to learn more about your brain!
Articles, Backgrounders, and Videos
Stress and the Brain
Stress is more than a feeling. Understanding the importance of stress can help you to manage it. It can even lead to an improvement in your mood and how you think!
Neurons: The Building Blocks of Your Brain
How does your brain allow you to do and experience so much? It’s all because of the building blocks of your brain - neurons!
How Sugar Affects the Brain
Consuming sugary foods and drinks activates your brain’s reward system - the same system that can cause addiction.
Understanding the Teen Brain
Teen brain development prepares teens for adulthood, but also affects their emotions.
Can Chocolate Make Your Brain Work Better?
Researchers have found that consuming foods rich in flavanols is linked to more efficient blood flow, which can improve brain function.
Careers
Learning about the professionals involved is ideal to establish relations between STEM studies and skills, and the real world. Below are some suggested career profiles to show the variety of people working with brains.
Teaching Resources
- What does your brain allow you to do?
- How does the nervous system relate to other body systems (digestive, endocrine, etc.)?
- How is your brain different from other animals?
- Do you know some diseases and disorders involving the brain?
- What can you do maintain a healthy brain?
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You can use the KWL: What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned Learning Strategy to introduce the topic.
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Initial discussion
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Using the questions above, discuss the topics with students. This can be done in the classroom or online, you can also have an asynchronous discussion by using a collaborative platform in which students can share their thoughts and opinions on the different questions. This option gives more space for introvert expression.
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Articles
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Teaching suggestions for can be found at the bottom of each of the articles. Learning strategies can also be used with the suggested videos.
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Questions for Discussion with Students
- What does your brain allow you to do?
- How does the nervous system relate to other body systems (digestive, endocrine, etc.)?
- How is your brain different from other animals?
- Do you know some diseases and disorders involving the brain?
- What can you do maintain a healthy brain?
Teaching Suggestions
-
You can use the KWL: What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned Learning Strategy to introduce the topic.
-
Initial discussion
-
Using the questions above, discuss the topics with students. This can be done in the classroom or online, you can also have an asynchronous discussion by using a collaborative platform in which students can share their thoughts and opinions on the different questions. This option gives more space for introvert expression.
-
-
Articles
-
Teaching suggestions for can be found at the bottom of each of the articles. Learning strategies can also be used with the suggested videos.
-