Brain Lab for Kids

March 15, 2018
A neuroscientist presents simple projects and activities designed to demonstrate the brain's major functions--and a few of its quirks.Chudler begins with instructions for variously modeling neurons from clay, flavored gelatin (a "Neuro-Snack"), string, pipe cleaners, or rope. Using similarly common materials, the entries in ensuing sections cover the five senses (three to seven projects each), the brain's physical structure, reflexes, sleep and body rhythms, and finally the ins and outs of long- and short-term memory. Along with materials lists, step-by-step directions (with appropriate safety notes), estimated durations, and explanations of expected results (with suggestions for alternative or follow-up activities), the entries all include descriptions of the brain part or function in play and related technical or historical "Brain Facts." Some projects, such as watching a sleeping subject to observe REM sleep or recording the circadian rhythms of an animal (in the picture, a fish in a plain fishbowl), may not be particularly workable, but most will have successful outcomes, and many could serve nicely as the bases for school science projects. In accompanying photographs the large cast of young makers and test subjects is predominantly but not exclusively white.Valuable insights into (arguably) our most important organ. (Nonfiction. 9-14)

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May 15, 2018
Grades 4-8 With this specialized activity book, children use their brains to learn more about, well, their brains, and to explore concepts of neuroscience. The 52 experiments, models, and activities, such as designing and testing a helmet to protect a model brain or creating scratch-and-sniff cards, are divided into 10 categories, including neurons, the brain, reflexes, the five senses, sleep and body rhythms, and memory. Each investigation comprises the purpose, materials needed (usually common household items), the method (with step-by-step directions), and color photos of diverse children in action. Chudler, a research neurologist, provides more enrichment with related brain facts, a What's Going On? explanation of typical outcomes, and Thinking Deeper extension activities. While many labs?such as those exploring how vision influences the perception of taste, making neurons from pipe cleaners, or testing one's short-term memory?can be used in classrooms or as the basis for science-fair projects, they are all intended for home use. This smart and fun collection will get synapses firing as kids discover how the brain works.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)