FIST TO FIVE: How much do you know?  1 – a couple things about the brain  2 – how the brain physically works  3 – functions of the left and right hemispheres  4 – brain research and how to grow intelligence  5– you can teach all of the above…you “own” the information

DIRECTIONS:  You will be asked to answer 4 questions.  There is a box under each question with 2 parts.  The top part of the box is where you make you draw or write your guesses. The bottom portion is where you make any corrections to your guess if you were incorrect. Your first guess Corrected answer

#1 How would you describe the shape and texture? Draw a picture of a human brain as you envision it.  Partners:   2 - 4

How would you describe the shape and texture?  It looks like gray cottage cheese! It has a soft, lumpy texture.  It is folded with many grooves and looks a little like a shelled walnut.

#2 What color is the brain? ???  Partners: find one other person with your same number.  1 – 1  2 – 2  3 – 3  4 – 4

 The cortex (outer layer) is GRAY.

PARTS OF THE BRAIN TOP VIEW OF A REAL BRAIN

#3 How much does the brain weigh? Guess how many pounds OR compare it in weight to another object.

#3 How much does the brain weigh? Guess how many pounds OR compare it in weight to another object.  Partners:  1 – 2  3 – 4

#3 How much does the brain weigh?  The average brain weighs 3 pounds, the weight of a large dictionary.

#4 What size is the brain? Complete the sentence frame located in the top box of your handout. The size of a human brain is about the same size as a _____________________. (identify an object)

What is the size of your brain? Complete the following sentence frame: The size of my brain is about the same size as a _________________. (list an object)  Partners:  1 – 4  2 - 3

The size of my brain is about the same size as a fist.

DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blanks at the bottom of your handout as you discover information. Additional Facts about Your Brain

 Your brain “eats” about 30% of the fuel you eat!

Protein – EAT BREAKFAST Nuts Eggs Fish Glucose Any fruit w/o added sugar (raisins) Avoid processed juices (example) Water Nutrition is feeding the brain!

 9 hours!  Scores are 15-30% lower with lost sleep  Lost sleep can not be “made up”  The brain needs sleep to produce melatonin.  Melatonin helps with memory and learning.  Melatonin also helps people sleep deeply.

 Your brain works better when you get regular exercise.  When you exercise the brain grows new cells and learns more easily

FIST TO FIVE: How much do you know?  1 – a couple things about the brain  2 – how the brain physically works  3 – functions of the left and right hemispheres  4 – familiar with research and how to intelligence  5– you can teach all of the above…you “own” the information

REFLECTION:  At the bottom of your handout, write 2 or 3 sentences about something you learned today.  What did you find out that might help you in school?

FRONTAL LOBE

Frontal Lobe: Parietal Lobe:

Frontal Lobe: Parietal Lobe: Temporal Lobe:

Frontal Lobe: Parietal Lobe: Temporal Lobe: Occipital Lobe:

 Keep it running strong  Eat brain power foods  Get good sleep  Exercise  Think positively…you CAN do it!