2. A CEREBRAL POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

3. In your life time, you will learn to do countless tasks, from crawling, walking, to possibly playing a piano concerto. You have learned at least one language, and you communicate in that language in a way that is unique to just you. You will experience and store millions of memories. You will store, retrieve, and compile millions of facts. You will combine facts, events, and memories to draw unique conclusions. You will develop a personality that will be unlike anybody else in the history of the world. You may invent something, write a novel, discover a cure for a disease. Think about that...

4. You will use your brain. Your brain is probably the most complex and wondrous thing in all the universe. Man has been trying to unlock its mysteries for centuries. https://www.ted.co m/talks/christophe r_decharms_scan s_the_brain_in_re al_time

5. Brain Anatomy: 3 primary “brains” over time….

6. Hemispheres of our Brain Cerebral Cortex: Divided into 2 hemispheres: Left: Logic, linear thinking, analytical, mathematical, detail focus, language Right: Spatial, Synthesis, music, shapes, colors, big picture focus

7. Your brain is set up contra-laterally. In other words, the left side of your brain controls the right side of your body, and vice versa.

8. 1. Old Brain with Medulla: the end of the spinal chord is where many involuntary actions, like normal heartbeat and breathing, and digestion, are regulated. 2. Cerebellum: Where information for performing learned movements are stored. 3. Mid Brain: Manages the transition between sleep and arousal. 4. Thalamus/Limbic System: Involved in the processing of emotion and strong drives like sex, fear, and hunger. 5. Hypothalamus: Helps control what information reaches the frontal lobes, regulates flow of consciousness and attention. 6. Cerebral Cortex (New Brain): A region of high neuron concentration, divided into 2 hemispheres with the following 4 lobes (one of each on each side of the brain):

9. 7. Occipital Lobe: Center for processing visual and spatial information. 8. Parietal Lobe: Various functions, including processing of physical sensation and new movements. Bottom of parietal lobe contains olfactory bulb, and thus is also the center for taste/smell information. 9. Temporal Lobe: Center for processing auditory and temporal (time- related) information. 10. The Frontal Lobes: Where most of what we call thought occurs. Both are centers for memory, learning, problem-solving, feeling, awareness, and decision-making. The differences between right and left sides are not as great as pop psychology has made out, but the left side does specialize in analytical, especially linguistic thinking, while the right side is an expert for more "open-ended" understanding and thinking. (Valerio & Larsen, 2001)

10. The Teenage Brain: Frontal Lobe not fully developed until their 20s. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/vi ew/ Brain’s frontal lobe = “executive center”; directs much of brain’s activity including processing higher-order thinking and solving problems. Seeks patterns for storing information. Convergent thinking: brings together info. to solve problems that generally has single correct solution (ie. for tests) This way of thinking is developed first as frontal lobe develops. Divergent thinking: generates creative ideas as different ways of solving problems are explored. Until frontal lobe develops more fully, this “critical thinking” process is incomplete (Sousa, 2012).

11. Emotional Processing Emotions are processed in brain’s limbic system and play important role in pattern making. When information and patterns produce an emotional “Aha!” chemicals are released that stimulate the brain’s reward system and keep us motivated to continue learning. (the positive aspect!)

12. Impulse Control and the Teenage Brain Although teens rapidly acquire new information and their brains are soaking it up—making connections and adapting to new situations more easily and at a much faster rate than the adult brain-- because the rational reasoning and executive function of the Frontal Cortex isn’t fully developed, when teens are emotionally triggered or stressed or fatigued, there’s a “misfiring” and impulsivity dominates (Sousa, 2012) Therefore, as teenagers, it is important to consider consequences BEFORE acting rather than while “in the act” since the rational brain may be unavailable then.

13. As you watch this video, note at least one significant points with an example relating to the following categories (for discussion and quiz) 1.How can the brain slow down time? 2.How is the brain the Ultimate Nutritionist? 3.How does the brain strategize to fight starvation? 4.Describe the amazing power of the sleeping brain…our need for sleep. 5.What is the value of Dreams? Lucid Dreams? The Human Brain: Pushing the limits