Brain Development
What is the process of brain connections being reduced called?
Pruning
What is the decision making part of the brain?
The prefrontal cortex
Name 3 brain foods
Salmon, eggs, peanut butter, whole grains, berries, beans, colourful veggies, yogurt
You are being peer pressured into something you don't want to do. How would the adult brain react? How would the teen brain react?
Adult brain would be able to say no as it knows this is something you are not comfortable with.
The teen brain is more susceptible to fall into peer pressure
Which part of the brain is remodelled last?
The prefrontal cortex
When does the prefrontal cortex fully develop?
Early adulthood
9-11 hours
You are on the road driving with some friends. How would the adult brain react? (ex// drive fast? slow? stick to the rules?) How would the teen brain react?
Teens sometimes tend to drive more recklessly, driving faster and bending the rules
In the first few years of your life, how many new connections form every second?
Over 1 million
What is the part of the brain that processes emotions?
The amygdala
Specifically what type of exercise appears to increase the size of the hippocampus?
Aerobic
You receive a harsh comment from a peer. How would the adult brain react? How would the teen brain react?
Adults would be more likely to reasonably answer to the comment, perhaps taking a moment to step back and calm themselves
Teens may be more likely to lash back quickly, or take the comment very personally
6
What is the main emotion the amygdala controls?
Fear
Give 3 examples of ways we can stimulate our brains
reading, puzzles, learning a new language, etc.
You are gaming at night with a friend but realize it has gotten late. How would the adult brain react? How would the teen brain react?
The adult brain is more likely to realize that it has gotten late and it is time to go to bed.
The teen brain might only think about the enjoyment of the game at the moment, and keep playing without thinking of the consequences
Describe pruning
Pruning is the process through which unused connections in the brain are pruned away, and other connections are strengthened
What is the impact of the prefrontal cortex's late development?
Teens might rely more on the emotional amygdala to make decisions
List all 5 ways to keep the brain healthy that were mentioned in the presentation
eat brain foods, get enough sleep, exercise, stimulate your brain, reduce toxic stress
You are invited to a party, but have a huge test the next day. How would the adult brain react? How would the teen brain react?
The adult brain is more likely to realize that the test is more important, and they can go to parties another time
The teen brain is more likely to fear missing out, and go to the party without thinking of the consequences