1 year, 9 months ago
how would you explain the basic structures and functions of neurons and synapses in the brain to a child?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
It depends on the age of the child how you might explain neurons and synapses.
If the child is very young, I might use the concept of a spider web that grows and grows. Each "intersection" is a neuron and each line a synapse. The more interconnected the web, the more capable the brain. (I might not use the word spider, just the word web - you don't want a young child thinking there are spiders in their head.)
For an older child, here's a link to a great "Neuroscience For Kids" page that talks about neurons and synapses and has interactive games and exercises to help reinforce the material.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/synapse.html
.
If the child is very young, I might use the concept of a spider web that grows and grows. Each "intersection" is a neuron and each line a synapse. The more interconnected the web, the more capable the brain. (I might not use the word spider, just the word web - you don't want a young child thinking there are spiders in their head.)
For an older child, here's a link to a great "Neuroscience For Kids" page that talks about neurons and synapses and has interactive games and exercises to help reinforce the material.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/synapse.html
.
images:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Report Abuse
