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American Museum of Natural History

Brain_HeroImage

Brain: The Inside Story

January 1, 2011 - August 14, 2011

For Educators: Brain The Inside Story

brain_edguide

Step into your brain. In this exhibition, explore how the brain, a product of millions of years of evolution, produces thoughts, senses, and feelings; experience how the brain is continually changing at different stages of life; and discover how new understanding of the workings of the brain may help scientists repair and reverse declines in brain function.

Educators Guide and Materials

Brain: The Inside Story Educator's Guide


More Resources for Educators

Use these free online resources to further explore themes presented in Brain: The Inside Story exhibition.


Express-Yourself

Article

Express Yourself!

You don't have to speak the same language, or even speak, to understand when someone is happy or sad. Explore how and why our brains have evolved to read facial expressions. 

Draw-Your-Nervous-System

Hands-on Activity

Draw Your Nervous System

Neurons can send more than 100 signals a second at speeds up to 250 miles an hour. Create a life-sized drawing to learn more about your body's speedy message carriers. 

Read-With-Your-Fingers

Activity

Read With Your Fingers

Reading by touch instead of sight forms new and different neuron connections. Discover firsthand how your brain can learn to read Braille with your fingertips. 

Taste-a-Smell-Test

Activity

Taste a Smell Test

It's not just the taste buds in your mouth that let you taste sweet, bitter, salty, sour, and other flavors. Take the Jellybean Test to find out how your nose helps you taste. 

Test-Your-Reaction

Activity

Test Your Reaction!

In a game like dodge ball, how is it that your brain is able to tell you to raise your arm and block an incoming ball with your elbow? Find out with this simple experiment. 

  • More About This Resource...

    • The Museum's Brain: The Inside Story exhibition takes an in-depth look at the remarkable organ that's sometimes described as the world's most complex structure. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the exhibit with your students. It includes:

      • Detailed background information to help you prepare for your Museum fieldtrip, including an overview of the exhibit's concepts and terms as well as essential questions for student inquiry.
      • A five-part look at the exhibit and the models, games, interactives, and videos it includes.
      • Guided explorations and questions to help you explore the exhibition with your students.
      • A listing of online resources for further exploration.

    • Origin

      Educators Guide

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      General