Unleashing the Power of the Brain: Year 2 Boys' Journey of Discovery

Embarking on a journey of discovery, our Year 2 boys had the opportunity to explore the depths of the mind and learn about the incredible power within their brains when Neuroscientist Sheryl Tan came to visit. After learning the basics about the brain last term, they were excited to dive deeper into the world of neuroscience and uncover the secrets of our most complex organ.

As the neuroscientist began her presentation, the boys sat in eager anticipation, waiting to learn about the mysteries of the brain.

One of the first things the boys learnt about was the relationship between the eyes and the brain in helping us write. They were asked to trace around a star while only looking at themselves in a mirror. This simple exercise demonstrated the complex interplay between our visual perception and the brain's motor control of our movements. The boys were amazed at how their eyes and brain worked together to help them write.

The boys were also introduced to a neurological disorder called apraxia, which affects a person's ability to coordinate movements. Although the disorder was too complex for the boys to fully understand, their key takeaway was the concept of hand-eye coordination.

In addition to learning about how the brain controls our movements, the boys were also taught about the protective role of the skull. They examined models of the brain and skulls to see how the skull safeguards the brain, and learnt about the dangers of head injuries.

Another interesting topic the boys explored was the concept of dominant and non-dominant hands. They were challenged to do and undo buttons on a shirt using both their dominant and non-dominant hands. Being one of the more tricky exercises of the morning, the simple task highlighted how challenging it can be to do seemingly easy things with our non-dominant hand and how our brains need to adjust to control our movements. 

Finally, the boys were given a model of the brain to cut out and create with paper. This hands-on activity gave them a better understanding of the different parts of the brain and how they work together.

In the end, the Year 2 boys had an unforgettable experience learning about the power within their brains. As they continue to grow and learn, they will carry this knowledge with them and use it to unlock the full potential of their incredible minds.