Brain, Stress, and Learning Lesson Plan This lesson plan discusses the brain, stress, and learning. There are notes attached to each slide to explain what the slide is about. This lesson plan will include topics covering the Wyoming Science Academic Content Standards for Grade Span 5-8 listed below: CONTENT STANDARD 1. CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES In the context of unifying concepts and processes, students develop an understanding of scientific content through inquiry. Science is a dynamic process; concepts and content are best learned through inquiry and investigation. ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARD 1. CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES Students learn about scientific content through inquiry. 8.A.S.1.1 Students relate different organ systems with their specialized function. 8.A.S.1.3 Students describe interconnectedness of diverse organisms within an ecosystem. 8.A.S.2.1 Students use science reference materials to answer science questions and present findings.

Developed by Shawna McBride University of Wyoming Science Posse

Human Brain

Where do things happen in the brain?

What is memory? Memory is the capacity we have to remember – things that happened in the past – things that will happen in the future Connections between neurons

How do we learn and remember things? When we learn something the wiring of our brain changes – Make new connections – Strengthen old connections

Questions What did you have or will you have for lunch today? What did you have for lunch a week ago?

What types of memories do we have? Short-term Long-term

How do we make long-term memories stick? Sights Sounds Perception Smells Emotion Touch Hippocampus Actions

Alzheimer‘s

Do you think you have a good memory?

Let’s try this again, with a slight twist

What is stress and how does it affect memory? Anything that requires us to change or adapt Stress can be damaging to memory

What other things affect memories? Sights Sounds Smells Touch Taste Emotion Actions

Let’s try to memorize something else

Japanese numbers 1-10

Link things with a Sound or an Action

Memory Tricks Link information to visual cues Link information to actions or physical cues Link information to rhymes or songs Use Mnemonics—memorize first letters Draw Mind Maps Chunk information Practice, practice, practice Get emotionally involved

Mnemonics Names of the Great Lakes – H-O-M-E-S; Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior Colors of the spectrum – R-o-y G. B-i-v; Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet

Let’s try one Three branches of government – Executive – Legislative – Judicial

Mind Maps

Let’s try one Reduce Stress At Home At School After School Activities

The End