Brain Power: The Science of Growth

Latoya Ogunbona

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Brain Power: The Science of Growth

Understand brain growth and perseverance

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of brain growth and how effort and perseverance contribute to strengthening neural connections. Through engaging scientific experiments, students will learn how neurons connect and grow when learning new things. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the science behind learning and encourages a growth mindset, fostering resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

60 mins

Approach

Understand brain growth and perseverance

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Whiteboard and markers, Printed neuron connection diagrams, Experiment materials (e.g., string, beads), Discussion questions, and Worksheet on neuron growth

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about the brain and learning.
Introduce the concept of neuroplasticity and how the brain can grow and change with effort.
Explain the objective of the lesson: to understand how neurons connect and grow.

Step 2

Experiment Setup

15 mins

Divide students into small groups and distribute experiment materials.
Instruct students to create a model of neuron connections using string and beads.
Guide them to simulate how learning new things can strengthen these connections.

Step 3

Guided Experiment

20 mins

Have students perform the experiment, observing how connections are made and strengthened.
Encourage students to discuss within their groups how effort and perseverance can impact learning.
Circulate the room to provide support and answer questions.

Step 4

Discussion

10 mins

Reconvene as a class and discuss the experiment results.
Use the provided discussion questions to guide the conversation on growth mindset and perseverance.
Highlight real-life examples of how effort leads to success.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply a growth mindset in their own learning.
Distribute the worksheet on neuron growth for students to complete as homework.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Discussion Questions: Brain Growth

A set of questions to guide a class discussion on brain growth and perseverance.

What did you observe during the experiment about neuron connections?

Encourage students to share their observations and relate them to the concept of learning.

How does effort and perseverance affect our brain's ability to learn?

Discuss the role of practice and persistence in strengthening neural pathways.

Can you think of a time when you learned something new and felt your brain 'growing'?

Invite personal stories and relate them to the growth mindset.

Worksheet

Worksheet: Neuron Growth

A worksheet to reinforce the concept of neuron growth and the impact of effort on learning.

Describe how neurons connect and grow when learning new things.

Think about the experiment and how connections were made.

List three ways you can apply a growth mindset in your daily life.

Consider challenges you face and how perseverance can help.