Neuroscience for Kids

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and the nervous system. Neuroscientists work towards developing an understanding of the structure, development and functions of the brain. These studies are used to help find cures for diseases and improve the quality of life.

Nervous System

The nervous system is made up of both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. It is used to carry messages from the brain to your body. When explaining neuroscience for kids, use examples to show him how it affects his everyday life.

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. It represents the largest portion of the nervous system.

Brain

The brain controls everything you do. It is the only organ that makes decisions. You use it to study, remember facts, find solutions, walk, talk, eat and even go the bathroom. Your brain controls your personality and emotions. It is constantly working to help you with everyday tasks including homework and recess. At night, it controls your dreams.

Your brain also controls everything inside your body, including your organs. It makes us who we are.

Spinal Cord

Your spinal cord is the road your brain uses to send information. It is a thick bundle of nerves protected by a bony spinal column. These nerves connect your brain to the rest of your body.

Peripheral Nervous System

The network of nerves that carry information from the brain to the other parts of your body is called the peripheral nervous system. Your body contains millions of nerve cells called neurons. There are three types of neurons:

• Sensory neurons have sensitive nerve endings called receptors, which respond to light, heat and chemicals. When you touch a hot stove, your sensory neurons tell your nervous system that something is not right.

• Association neurons are the interpreters. They take the message ‘’hot’’ and warn your brain that something needs to be done so you do not burn yourself.

• Motor neurons carry the message “take your hand off the hot stove" to the muscles in your hand.

This system of neurons continues to work to protect us and keep us moving.

Senses

There are five senses that send messages to your brain and give it information about the world around you:

1. Sound
2. Site
3. Touch
4. Taste
5. Smell

Your central nervous system controls the senses.

Teaching Neuroscience for Kids

There are many tools to teach neuroscience to kids. Though it is a complicated subject, kids catch on quickly.

Experiments

Conduct experiments using items around your home to learn how the central nervous system works. Some great activities include:

• Testing your reflexes
• Studying optical illusions and discussing why your eyes play tricks on your brain
• Experimenting with your senses
• Playing memory games
• Discussing colors and emotions

Field Trips

A trip to any children’s museum will provide opportunities for teaching neuroscience for kids. Before you go, find out what exhibits are on display, and prepare some activities that will demonstrate how the nervous system and brain work.

You can also use a visit to the park as a teaching experience. Use discussion questions to make observations:

• How does your body know how to make a swing move?
• How quick are your reflexes when you see something you are about to run into?
• What emotions do you feel when you go down the slide for the first time?

Neuroscience for Kids Fun Facts

Here are some fun trivia facts to help you understand neuroscience!

• An adult brain weights approximately three pounds!
• There are over 100 million neurons in your brain
• Your brain is made up of 78% water
• When you are talking to your friend, your voice is measuring about 60 decibels. 130 decibels will hurt your ears.

Resources

The Internet offers great resources about neuroscience for kids.

• Neuroscience for Kids has a newsletter for kids, news articles, experiments and games.

• Neuroguide provides resource links to informational sites.

• Newton's Apple teaches how reflexes are connected to the nervous system.

• Illusions shows how your brain plays tricks on you.

• Brain Facts is an intro to the brain and nervous system.

• Find lots of facts at this Website including comparing human and animal brains and other fun facts about our nervous system.

• Brain jokes offers fun jokes to share with your friends.

• The Nervous System explains how neurons help transmit information using great pictures and diagrams.

• American Academy of Neurology is a great resource for professionals and more advanced future child scientists.

• Innerbody offers an interactive picture of the nervous system.

Jobs in Neuroscience

Now that your child understands neuroscience, she can consider a career that uses this knowledge.

Neuroscientists have numerous options. She can:

• Teach at a university or hospital
• Conduct research to learn more about neuroscience
• Work in a biomedical research lab
• Find a cure for a neurological disease
• Work in pharmaceutical drugs
• Work for a government agency