Psychology · Year 10

Active learning ideas

Early Brain Development

Early brain development is a fascinating journey from a simple neural tube to a complex organ capable of thought and emotion. Students study the timeline of brain growth, focusing on the development of the brain stem, cerebellum, thalamus, and cortex. They also explore how the brain changes during gestation and the critical role of early environmental stimulation.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• GCSE Psychology (AQA) 3.1.3.1: Early brain development
• GCSE Psychology (Edexcel) 1.2.1: Brain development and learning

• 20–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 50 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Brain Build

Using clay or craft materials, groups build a 3D model of a developing brain. They must label the brain stem, cerebellum, thalamus, and cortex, and attach 'fact tags' explaining the function of each part during early childhood.

How does the brain develop in the womb?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Stations Rotation
• 30 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: The Developing Timeline

Stations represent different stages: 3 weeks, birth, and 2 years old. Students move through stations to record key neural developments at each stage, such as the closing of the neural tube or the rapid growth of synapses.

What are the roles of the brain stem and cortex?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Nature vs Nurture in the Womb

Students are given scenarios like 'maternal stress' or 'proper nutrition.' They discuss in pairs how these environmental factors (nurture) interact with the biological blueprint (nature) to affect brain development before birth.

How do early experiences shape neural pathways?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• The brain is fully formed at birth.

  While the basic structures are there, the brain continues to develop and 'wire' itself through synaptogenesis and pruning for many years. A visual 'wiring' activity can show how connections increase dramatically after birth.

• We only use 10% of our brains.

  This is a common myth; brain imaging shows that almost every part of the brain has a known function and is active at different times. Investigating brain scans in a gallery walk can help debunk this idea.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Stations Rotation
• Think-Pair-Share