Lesson Plan
Brainy Bytes
Students will be able to identify and describe the primary functions of key brain structures through a guided mini-research activity.
Understanding the brain helps us appreciate how we think, feel, and learn, making connections to our daily lives and future studies in biology and psychology. It also enhances research and information synthesis skills.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Students will use provided resources to research a specific brain part, then share their findings.
Materials
Brainy Bytes Slide Deck, Brainy Bytes Research Worksheet, and Brainy Bytes Cool Down
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Brainy Bytes Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Brainy Bytes Slide Deck, Brainy Bytes Research Worksheet, and Brainy Bytes Cool Down.
- Ensure access to research materials (textbooks, reputable online resources, or pre-printed articles) for students.
- Prepare a way for students to share their findings (e.g., whiteboard space, digital collaborative document, or quick oral share).
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Display the first slide of the Brainy Bytes Slide Deck.
- Engage students with the question: "What's the most amazing thing your brain does?" Allow for a few quick responses.
- Introduce the lesson: Today, we're going on a quick research mission to explore the incredible organ that makes us, us - the brain! We'll learn about different parts and what they do.
Step 2
Mini-Research Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Brainy Bytes Research Worksheet.
- Explain that each student (or pair) will be assigned a specific part of the brain to research (e.g., Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem, Amygdala, Hippocampus, Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lobe).
- Direct students to use provided resources (or designated online sources) to find information to complete their worksheet.
- Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
Step 3
Share & Discuss
7 minutes
- Ask students to briefly share one interesting fact or function they discovered about their assigned brain part. Keep it quick, aiming for a popcorn-style share.
- Facilitate a brief discussion, highlighting how different parts work together.
Step 4
Cool-Down & Wrap-Up
3 minutes
- Distribute the Brainy Bytes Cool Down.
- Have students complete the cool-down activity to reflect on their learning.
- Collect worksheets and cool-downs.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Brainy Bytes: Your Brain, Explained!
Ever wonder what's going on inside your head?
Let's embark on a mini-research mission to unlock the secrets of the brain!
Ask students: "What's the most amazing thing your brain does?" Allow for a few quick responses to activate prior knowledge and create excitement.
Your Brainy Research Mission
Investigate a Brain Part!
- Choose/Receive a specific brain structure.
- Research its main function(s) and interesting facts.
- Complete your Brainy Bytes Research Worksheet!
Explain the research task. Students will use provided resources to complete their Brainy Bytes Research Worksheet. Assign each student or pair a specific brain part. Circulate to assist.
Share Your Brainy Bites!
What did you discover?
- Share one fascinating fact about your brain part.
- How do all these amazing parts work together?
Guide students to briefly share one interesting fact. Encourage quick, 'popcorn' style sharing. Facilitate a brief discussion about how the parts work together.
Reflect & Wrap Up
Think about what you learned!
- Complete the Brainy Bytes Cool Down.
- What's your biggest takeaway from today's brain exploration?
Explain the Brainy Bytes Cool Down and have students complete it individually. Collect all materials.
Worksheet
Brainy Bytes: Research Worksheet
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Your Brain Part:
Research Questions:
-
What is the name of your assigned brain part?
-
Where is this brain part located? (You can describe its general area or relation to other parts.)
-
What are the primary functions of this brain part? (List at least 2-3 key roles.)
-
Describe one interesting fact or specific example of how this brain part works.
-
How might this brain part connect or work with other parts of the brain? (Think broadly!)
Cool Down
Brainy Bytes: Cool Down
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Reflect and Connect
-
What is one new thing you learned about the brain today?
-
Why do you think it's important to understand how the brain works?
-
What is one question you still have about the brain?
Script
Brainy Bytes: Teacher Script
Warm-Up & Introduction (5 minutes)
Teacher says:
"Good morning, everyone! Let's kick off today with a quick thought. Close your eyes for a second, or just look up at the ceiling. Think about everything your brain is doing right now: helping you listen, understand, remember, maybe even feel a little bit sleepy from last night! So, what's the most amazing thing your brain does? Take a moment to share with a partner, or just think to yourself."
(Allow 30-60 seconds for quick partner shares or individual reflection. Call on a few students for quick, 'popcorn' style answers.)
"Awesome ideas! Today, we're going on a quick research mission to explore this incredible organ that makes us, us - the brain! We'll be looking at different parts of the brain and what amazing things they do. By the end of this mini-lesson, you'll be able to identify and describe the primary functions of some key brain structures."
Mini-Research Activity (15 minutes)
Teacher says:
"Okay, I'm going to hand out the Brainy Bytes Research Worksheet. Each of you (or in your assigned pairs) will be responsible for becoming an expert on one specific part of the brain. I'll either assign you a brain part, or you can choose from the list on the board/slide."
(Display brain parts on the board or Brainy Bytes Slide Deck - e.g., Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem, Amygdala, Hippocampus, Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lobe. Distribute worksheets.)
"Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to use the provided resources – whether it's your textbook, a trusted website, or the articles I've laid out – to find answers to the questions on your worksheet. Focus on understanding your brain part's main functions and finding one really interesting fact about it."
"You have about 15 minutes for this research. I'll be walking around to help if you have any questions or get stuck. Ready? Go brainy!"
(Circulate, offer help, keep track of time.)
Share & Discuss (7 minutes)
Teacher says:
"Alright, let's bring it back together! Who's ready to share a 'brainy bite' from their research? I want just one interesting fact or a primary function you discovered about your assigned brain part. Let's try to go around the room quickly, or just raise your hand when you're ready to share. Who wants to start?"
(Facilitate quick sharing from several students. After a few shares, guide the discussion.)
"That's fantastic! It's clear how specialized each part is. Now, thinking about what we've heard, how do you think all these different parts of the brain work together to help us do everything we do? For example, if the frontal lobe helps with decision-making, and the hippocampus helps with memory, how do they team up when you're trying to decide what to eat for lunch based on what you remember liking yesterday?"
(Allow for a few student responses to foster discussion on brain interconnectedness.)
Cool-Down & Wrap-Up (3 minutes)
Teacher says:
"Excellent work, brain explorers! To wrap up, I'm going to hand out this Brainy Bytes Cool Down. Please take a few minutes to silently complete it. It's a chance for you to reflect on what you've learned and what questions you still have."
(Distribute cool-downs.)
"Once you're done, please hand in both your research worksheet and your cool-down. Thank you all for your fantastic participation today!"
(Collect materials as students complete them.)