Virtual STEM for Kids: Brain Science
This guide supports virtual STEM programs for children ages 6-12.
ACTIVITY: Create a neuron model.
Materials: 3-4 pipe cleaners, 6-14 pony beads, scissors, straw (optional), ruler (optional)
Brains & Learning
- BrainWorld Book Kids article
- Movie: Brain & Nervous SystemMovie from KidsHealth
- Your Brain & Nervous SystemArticle from KidsHealth
- Your Amazing Brain!Article from National Geographic Kids
Make a Neuron Craft!
Learn how to make this neuron craft, from the New York Stem Cell Foundation.
Step 1
Cut two of the pipe cleaners into quarters. You will have 8 pieces about 3" long. (For this project, you will use 6 of the small pieces.)
Step 2
Twist one 3" pipe cleaner piece onto a long pipe cleaner about an inch from the end.
Step 3
Thread 14 beads onto the long pipe cleaner.
Step 4
Take the other long pipe cleaner and shape it into a spiral.
Step 5
Twist 5 short pipe cleaner pieces onto the outer edge of the spiraled pipe cleaner.
Step 6
Twist the long pipe cleaner with the beads onto the spiraled pipe cleaner so the two are connected. Cut off the excess pipe cleaner as shown.
Links
- Brain GamesNational Geographic Kids
- Your BrainInteractives from The Franklin Institute
Recommended Books
Lobe My Brain by Call Number: J 612.8 BOUCHERISBN: 9781433830464Publication Date: 2021-06-01Kids know that their brain does a lot, like make them move, smile, remember, think, feel, and emote. But do they know how it really works? Readers will take a tour of the lobes of the human brain to discover all the cool things that it can do in this must-have introduction for all nonfiction collections. Includes kid-friendly examples, simple explanations, and basic anatomy illustrations that show different parts of his brain and central nervous system, basic neurological function, and how everything flows.
Brain by Call Number: J 612.8 SANDEMANISBN: 0761304908Publication Date: 1996-10-01Meticulously researched by medical doctors and classroom teachers, Body Books offer young children a lively introduction to how the body works.
The Brain by Call Number: J 612.8 SIMONISBN: 0688146406Publication Date: 1997-08-14These classic titles are now updated with the most recent research with the cooperation and curators from the Smithsonian's Air & Space and Natural History museums. These new editions feature full-color photos, glossaries, reference materials, and indices.
Big Brain Book by Call Number: J 612.82 BOUCHERISBN: 9781433830457Publication Date: 2021-06-01Readers are welcomed to the Lobe Labs and Dr. Brain activities in this brightly illustrated, highly engaging book that uses science to answer interesting questions that kids have about the brain and human behavior. This is a fun primer on psychology and neuroscience that makes complex psychological phenomenon and neural mechanisms relatable to kids through illustrations, interesting factoids, and more. Chapters include: What is the brain made up of and how does it work? Why can't I tickle myself? Why do they shine a light in my eyes when I hit my head in the game? Answers draw from both psychology and neuroscience, giving ample examples of how the science is relevant to the question and to the reader's life experiences.
Brain Lab for Kids by Call Number: J 612.82 CHUDLERISBN: 9781631593963Publication Date: 2018-03-06Brain Lab for Kids is an interactive and hands-on book that takes readers on an exciting journey into the functions of the brain through enlightening experiments and creative activities.
The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal by Call Number: J 612.82 SELUKISBN: 9781338167009Publication Date: 2019-10-01Did you know that the brain is in charge of everything you do, every minute of every day? You know, like thinking about funny stuff and keeping you alive. Bestselling author Nick Seluk explains the sc ience behind everything the brain does for you--from keeping your heart beating to remembering stuff, and make you YOU.
