Activity 01
Build a Brain Hat
Pupils colour, cut out, and assemble a paper hat that shows the main parts of the brain. This kinaesthetic activity helps them to visualise where the brain is and that it has different sections for different jobs.
Explain the brain's role in processing information from the senses.
Facilitation TipHave some templates pre-cut for pupils who may find using scissors difficult.
What to look forUse 'Think-Pair-Share' to have pupils discuss a question like 'What is the most important job of the brain?' to check for understanding.
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Activity 02
Reaction Time Ruler Drop
In pairs, one pupil drops a ruler and the other catches it. They measure how far the ruler fell to get a simple measure of their reaction time, demonstrating how fast the brain can send signals.
Analyse why protecting your brain by wearing a helmet is important.
Facilitation TipModel the correct way to hold and drop the ruler to ensure consistent and safe results.
What to look forPupils complete a 'My Brain' worksheet where they draw and label the brain and skull, and write three sentences about what the brain does.
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Activity 03
Memory Tray Challenge (Kim's Game)
Show pupils a tray with 10-15 familiar objects for one minute. Cover the tray and ask them to recall and list as many objects as they can, leading to a discussion about how memory works.
Identify three different functions controlled by the brain.
Facilitation TipAfter the game, discuss strategies that can help with memory, like chunking items into categories.
What to look forPupils use a K-W-L chart (What I Know, What I Want to know, What I Learned) at the start and end of the topic to reflect on their own learning.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Begin by tapping into pupils' prior knowledge with a simple brainstorm about what the brain does. Use analogies they can understand, like comparing the brain to a computer or a captain of a ship. Emphasise hands-on learning with models and simple experiments to make abstract concepts concrete and memorable.
After these activities, your pupils will be able to confidently explain the brain's main jobs and share important ways to keep it safe and healthy in their daily lives.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The brain is only for thinking and doing school work.
The brain is our body's boss and is always working. It controls everything: our movements, our breathing, our heartbeat, our feelings, and even our dreams when we're asleep.
You only use 10% of your brain.
This is a very common myth. We actually use all of our brain, just different parts are more active at different times depending on what we are doing.
A bigger brain means you are more clever.
The size of a person's brain doesn't determine how smart they are. It's the connections between the brain cells that are important, and we can build more of these by learning new things.
Methods used in this brief