The Incredible Brain

All of us have a brain, but how often do we think about it? As a former fourth grade science and health teacher, Jack always found his students were fascinated about how their own bodies functioned. One of the best ways to teach boys and girls about their uniqueness is through the study of the brain.

As a teacher, Jack quickly realized that his students learned in many different ways. Some learned best by reading, others by writing, and yet some learned best by listening or working with their hands. In this program, Jack emphasizes that we all learn differently and what each of us must do is learn which way our brain learns best for us.

Skulls-Structure and Function

Jack begins the program by having students tap their own heads. Students readily agree that their heads are hard. Our heads are hard for a reason, to protect the brain inside. The bones protecting the brain are called skull bones. Using skulls from a large snapping turtle, big horned ram, a pig, and human, students compare likes and differences concerning the size, shape, and especially the brain cavity of these different creatures.

How Messages Travel To and From the Brain

Humor and discovery are the key ingredients for helping students understand how messages travel from the brain down the spinal cord to all parts of their bodies. Using a human spinal column, telephone cables, and wire, Jack clearly demonstrates how our brain keeps in touch with the rest of our body. By way of a simple experiment, Jack involves the entire audience in discovering how quickly reflex messages travel through their own bodies.

Meet Big Brain

Using a colorful seven foot model of the human brain, Jack teaches girls and boys many of its different parts. In a spine tingling skit, using make believe electrodes, and special lighting effects, students learn that different parts of the brain control different parts of the body.

Children also learn the brain is made up of cells. Each of us is born with every brain cell we will ever have. Every day, thousands of brain cells die. This is perfectly normal. Unfortunately, when people get involved with drugs and alcohol many more brain cells die. Jack emphasizes the negative effects drugs and alcohol have on the brain.

You Are Your Brain

In a beautifully choreographed slide presentation, Jack reinforces all of the concepts taught throughout the program. Children learn the brain does much more than take care of our five senses. They begin to understand that their brain is responsible for every thought, every movement, every memory, and everything they will ever learn.

One of the most exciting parts of this program is that boys and girls begin to realize that they are unique! Each child is special! Their brain, makes them someone special!