Who was Phineas Gage
The Accident
Changes After the Accident
Vocab & Details
Big Ideas & Themes
100

This was Phineas Gage's job before his accident. 

Railroad construction worker

100

This object went through Phineas Gage's head during the accident. 

Iron rod (tamping iron)

100

After the accident, Gage became impatient and rude. These are examples of changes in this. 

Personality

100

A word meaning "to begin" used in informational texts. 

Originate

100

The story shows how the brain is connected to this part of being human. 

Behavior

200

Phineas Gage lived during this century. 

1800s (19th century)

200

The accident happened while Gage was working with this explosive material. 

Gunpowder

200

Gage struggled with controlling his behavior, showing damage to this skill. 

Self-control

200

A word meaning "sent from one place to another," often used with messages or signals. 

Transmit

200

Phineas Gage's story is often used to teach this branch of science. 

Neuroscience (Psychology)

300

This country is where Phineas Gage lived and worked. 

The United States

300

The rod entered through his cheek and exited through this part of his head. 

Top of his skull

300

Friends said he was "no longer Gage," showing a change in his character or this trait. 

Temperament

300

This word describes something limited to one area.

Localized

300

The text about Gage is considered this type of writing. 

Informational text

400

People described Gage as responsible and polite before the accident. This word describes his behavior. 

Well-mannered

400

Surprisingly, Gage did not lose this immediately after the accident. 

His life. 

400

This part of the brain controls decision-making and emotions and was damaged. 

Frontal-lobe 
400

A word that means "advanced or complex"

Sophisticated

400

This theme focuses on how injuries can change a person's life. 

Impact of trauma

500

Phineas Gage became famous because of how this part of his body was affected. 

The brain

500

Many people thought Gage would die because of this type of injury. 

Severe brain injury

500

Doctors learned that brain injuries can affect emotions, not just physical abilities. This is the main lesson of Gage's story. 

Brain controls personality and behavior. 
500

This word means "gathered or mixed together," often used to describe thoughts or details. 

Mingled
500

Gage's survival helped scientists understand this relationship. 

Connection between the brain and personality. 

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