Brain Power Boost Lesson Plan Brain Power Boost
Teacher Lesson Plan
15 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand neuroplasticity and adopt a growth mindset approach to their intelligence and skills.
Audience
High School Students
Approach
Growth Mindset / Neuroplasticity
Materials & Prep
Video: 'How to Grow Your Brain'
Discussion Guide
Reflection Worksheet (Print 1 per student)
Brain Power Boost Slides
Instructional Steps
2 Min
Introduction
Welcome the students and explain that today's lesson will focus on understanding how our brain functions and how we can develop our intelligence over time. Briefly introduce the concept of brain plasticity and its significance in learning.
4 Min
Video Viewing
Play the video "How to Grow Your Brain" .
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to take mental notes of key points, specifically looking for what happens to neurons when we learn.
5 Min
Discussion
Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the video. Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about brain plasticity and how intelligence can be developed through effort and strategy.
4 Min
Reflection Activity
Hand out the Reflection Worksheet . Instruct students to spend a few minutes reflecting on how they can apply the concept of brain plasticity in their daily lives and write down their thoughts. Collect the worksheets for review.
1 Min
Closure
Summarize the key points discussed. Encourage students to keep an open mind about their ability to grow and develop their intelligence through persistent effort and effective practice.
Brain Power Boost Slides Mindset & Growth
Brain Power
Boost
Unlocking your potential through the science of neuroplasticity.
Is Intelligence Fixed?
Old Belief
You're born with a certain amount of "smarts," and that's all you've got.
The Reality
Your brain is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows.
How to Grow Your Brain
Pay attention to the role of neurons and effort .
Watch the Video Here
presidio-school.lennylearning.org/view/how-to-grow-your-brain
01
What is brain plasticity, and why is it important?
"Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt over time."
02
How did the video explain the role of neurons?
Think about how neurons get "excited" and stimulate other neurons to form new connections.
03
How can you apply this in your own life?
What strategy can you use to get through a difficult challenge?
Practicing new skills
Embracing mistakes
Seeking feedback
Consistent effort
Your Turn
Spend 4 minutes completing your Reflection Worksheet. Think about your mindset for the rest of this week.
Brain Power Boost Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Brain Power Boost • Facilitator Reference
"Use this guide to facilitate a 5-minute conversation following the video 'How to Grow Your Brain'. The goal is to move students from passive viewing to active understanding of neuroplasticity."
1
What is brain plasticity, and why is it important?
Key Concept: Intelligence is not a fixed trait; it is dynamic and changeable.
Guide the discussion:
Help students define "plasticity" (like plastic, the brain can be molded and reshaped).
Explain that this means our current "limitations" are just current states, not permanent boundaries.
Emphasize that new learning physically changes the structure of the brain.
2
How did the video explain the role of neurons?
Key Concept: Neural pathways are like roads that get wider and stronger with use.
Guide the discussion:
Discuss how neurons "fire" to process information.
Focus on the concept of "synaptic pruning" or strengthening: connections used frequently become faster and more efficient.
Learning something difficult is literally the process of building these new neural bridges.
3
In what ways can you apply this in your own life?
Key Concept: Intentional effort and effective strategies lead to growth.
Guide the discussion:
Ask students for examples of something they once found impossible but now find easy (e.g., driving, a specific sport, a math concept).
Encourage them to identify a "current challenge" where they can apply extra effort.
Mention that "effort" isn't just working harder, but using different strategies when one doesn't work.
Remember: The focus should be on the process of learning rather than the outcome. Praise effort, strategy, and persistence over "natural talent."
Brain Power Boost Reflection Worksheet Brain Power Reflection
Growth Mindset Activity
Name
Date
Think about it: Your brain is like a muscle that grows stronger with every challenge you take on. Neuroplasticity is the scientific proof that you have the power to develop your intelligence through effort, strategy, and practice.
1
Describe one thing you learned about how the brain works from the video.
Consider the role of neurons and brain plasticity in your answer.
2
List two ways you can apply the concept of brain plasticity to improve your intelligence or skills.
Think about daily activities, habits, or new challenges you can take on.
A.
B.
3
How can understanding brain plasticity help you in your academic and personal life?
Reflect on your mindset towards learning and how you handle setbacks.
