Picking Brains

The brain can do so much, but we still don’t know everything about them – even though it’s inside every animal. Stretch your brain with these activities.

CONNECT:

• Who is you boss of your body? It’s your brain. Look inside that control center at http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=307&id=1528
• See fun facts about the brain --  and watch a video about how your brain works: http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-your-amazing-brain/
• Watch this video to see how human brains compare to other animals’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCXSZQSWwdM
• The brain versus the computer: which wins? See the differences at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/bvc.html

CREATE:

• Pump up your brain with these brainteasers: https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/brainteasers/index.htm
• Can illusions fool your brain? Test it with these optical illusions: http://www.sandlotscience.com/
• Eat smart for a healthier brain by eating these food: http://fit.webmd.com/kids/move/article/better-brain Try creating recipes with their ingredients, such as adding blueberries to whole grain cereals.
• Make spooky party foods such as Rice Krispy Treat brains and more at http://leftbraincraftbrain.com/rice-krispy-treat-brains/

CARE:

• Do you know the number one cause of death and disability among people between the ages of 1 and 44? It’s head trauma. Get the facts at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/coma/
• Watch your brain on football: http://content.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,64253995001_1957921,00.html
• Learn how to build a healthy brain at http://www.foodforthebrain.org/smart-kids/how-to-build-a-healthy-brain.aspx
• Try some of these fun ways to grow a better brain: http://fit.webmd.com/kids/move/article/better-brain

CAREERS:

Use your brain and make a good living: not only as a brain surgeon but also as a neuroscientists, cognitive psychologist, sports therapist, or even head protection manufacturer.

http://www.youramazingbrain.org/teachers/careers.htm

https://www.utdallas.edu/~kilgard/neuroscience_careers.htm

http://www.apa.org/action/science/brain-science/education-training.aspx

https://concussionfoundation.org/

And fireworks bursting in air

Several countries have “birthdays” in summer, and they frequently celebrate with fireworks. These websites and activities can spark your interest in fireworks.

CONNECT:

• ·        Fireworks are over 1500 years old; shone some light on their history at https://antiquitynow.org/2013/07/03/boom-pow-whizzz-the-history-of-fireworks/
• ·        Guy Fawkes was the inspiration for the graphic novel and movie “V for Vendetta.” Discover about his Gunpowder plot and resultant English Bonfire Night at http://www.bonfirenight.net/
• ·        See the anatomy of a firework at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/kaboom/anatomy.html#bottom
• ·        Watch how fireworks are made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88TVh1O5P1o

CREATE:

• ·        Try these family-fun alternatives to fireworks: http://www.parenting.com/family-time/holidays/10-fun-alternatives-to-fireworks
• ·        Make your own holiday crackers: http://www.instructables.com/id/Party-Crackers/
• ·        Create fireworks in a jar: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/diy-fireworks-jar/
• ·        Try your hand at these firework art activities: https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/fireworks
• ·        Play some fireworks games at http://www.gamesxl.com/fireworks

CARE:

• ·        Fireworks can be fun – and dangerous. Go to this guide to safe and age-appropriate fireworks fun: http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/06/fireworks_for_kids_a_guide_to.html
• ·        Fireworks scare pets, so help them survive by following this advice: http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/06/fireworks_for_kids_a_guide_to.html
• ·        Leave fireworks to the professionals; see why at http://www.mysafela.org/leave-fireworks-to-the-professionals/

CAREERS:

Get a bang out of life by working with fireworks. Here some of the possibilities.

http://pyroinnovations.com/pyro-fireworks-career.html

http://www.jobmonkey.com/pyrotechnicjobs/