The Brain

The brain is a complex organ and controls pretty much everything you do. It makes you, you. It tells you to move your hand to pick up a pencil and move your legs so you can walk or run.

It is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons with billions of connections. It is through these connections that messages are sent all over your body to tell it to do something. Every time you learn something new, like playing the piano, your brain makes new connections. The more you do the new thing, the stronger these connections become and the easier it becomes to do them.

Everyone's brain works a little bit different and that's great! Anne is a brain researcher. This means she studies how our brain works. She wants to find out what happens in our brain when we listen to music or to someone else talking. For example, musicians' brains can understand music, talking, and rhythms much better than the brains of people who don't play music. But sometimes the way our brain works can also make it harder for us to understand other people, or to learn to read. Her research aims to help people to learn to listen and read more easily. You can learn more about Anne in her career profile

Now watch this video to learn more about the brain.

It is now time to learn about how the brain works with a fun activity. Have a go at our Stroop Effect (PDF) worksheet.

Check out this video to see what happens when you block your brain signals on each side of the brain.

Brain Regions

The brain is made up of two sides called the left and right hemispheres. Our brain is divided into different areas, and all of them are responsible for different things (personality, senses, emotions, creativity, scientific thinking).

Check out this article in Curious Kids for more fantastic brain facts - Curious Kids: how much does a brain weigh?

Now try out these activities that feature the different parts of the brain.

• The Brain Game Worksheet (PDF)
• The Thinking Hat Worksheet (PDF)
• The Thinking Hat Template (left and right brain) (JPG)

Brain Quiz

Now you have learnt lots of facts about the brain, let’s test your knowledge with a Brain Quiz! If you do the Quiz together with your friends or family, you can impress them with your brilliant knowledge about the brain!

• Worksheet: Brain Quiz Questions (PDF)
• Worksheet: Brain Quiz Answers (PDF)