Train Your Brain

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In this activity, learners play a trick on their own brain to see if the brain can learn to ignore distracting input. Colors and words are used to play the visual trick, known as a Stroop Test. Learners predict and test whether practice makes perfect, or taking a break better improves concentration and performance.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Game
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 blank 4x4 grids (to make a grid, copy the figure provided)
  • Crayons, pens, or markers—at least four different colors
  • Ruler
  • Stopwatch or clock

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
      • Perception
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610406
  • Public television viewers
  • Arby's
  • Greendog