Brain Basics
What part of the brain helps with planning and decision-making?
Prefrontal cortex
True or False: Teen brains feel emotions more intensely than adult brains.
True
True or False: Teens can’t make good decisions.
False — they can when calm
What part of the brain activates during stress or danger?
Amygdala / brainstem
True or False: Teens can’t make good decisions.
False — they can when calm
What part of the brain handles emotions like fear and anger?
Amygdala
What happens in your brain when you feel embarrassed or rejected?
Amygdala activates
True or False: The brain stops growing at age 13.
False — it grows into your 20s
What happens to your thinking brain when you’re overwhelmed?
It shuts down or goes offline
True or False: The brain stops growing at age 13.
False — it grows into your 20s
What part of the brain stores memories?
Hippocampus
Why do teens sometimes misread facial expressions or texts?
Emotional brain reacts faster than thinking brain
True or False: Emotions are a sign of weakness.
False — they’re part of brain development
What’s one physical sign your brain is stressed?
Fast heartbeat, sweaty palms, shallow breathing
True or False: Emotions are a sign of weakness.
False — they’re part of brain development
What part of the brain controls coordination and balance?
Cerebellum
What’s one way to calm your emotional brain before reacting?
Pause and breathe / name the feeling
True or False: You only use 10% of your brain.
False — you use all of it
What’s one way stress affects decision-making?
Makes it harder to think clearly or plan ahead
True or False: You only use 10% of your brain.
False — you use all of it
What part of the brain is most active when you’re excited or seeking rewards?
Nucleus accumbens (reward center)
What’s the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is fast and emotional; responding is thoughtful and intentional
True or False: Sleep doesn’t affect your brain.
False — sleep is essential for brain health
What’s one healthy way to reset your brain when stressed?
Deep breathing, movement, talking it out
True or False: Sleep doesn’t affect your brain.
False — sleep is essential for brain health