Brain Education Resources

Two women smile while holding and discussing a model brain.

The brain and its more than 80 billion neurons are responsible for everything we do and are. On this page, you'll find resources—including activities, videos, and training and learning opportunities—for parents, students, and teachers designed to get kids excited about the brain and learning about science. Visit our NINDS catalog to download printable copies and order free materials in English and Spanish for your classroom or group.

Brain science education activities

Fun, hands-on activities can help bring brain science concepts to life. Download the activity guides and check out related videos to use with kids in grades K-12.

Arm with a watch on the wrist and other hand pushing buttons on the side of the watch.

The brain and reaction time (grades 6–12)

What determines reaction time? In this hands-on activity for kids in grades 6–12, students can explore how the brain processes signals and what factors can speed up or slow down our responses.

Download the Science Activity Guide: Reaction Time(pdf, 2685 KB)

 

Silhouette of a head with a brain inside. Shapes surround the silhouette.

Understanding memory (grades 5 and up)

How does memory work?In this activity for kids in grades 5+, children learn why the brain is so important for life and learning. Drs. Sarah Robinson-Schwartz and Ryan Richardson talk about the brain, how we remember, and why memory is so important in a video titled "Test Your Memory".

Download the Science Activity Guide: What Do You Remember?(pdf, 3705 KB)

 

Two figures holding cards in front of their faces. One card has a tongue and mouth while the other card has a nose. Jelly beans surround the figures’ heads.

The brain and the senses (grades 5–10)

How do taste and smell work? In this engaging activity for kids in grades 5-10, they learn how the brain processes taste and smell and uncover the surprising role our noses play in tasting different flavors. 

Download the Science Activity Guide: The Jelly Bean Test(pdf, 6558 KB)

 

Silhouette of a head with a brain inside. A cracked egg is on top of the brain.

Protecting the brain (grades 3–6)

What are the types of brain injuries and how do we protect them? In this activity for kids in grades 3–6, eggs help demonstrate open and closed brain injuries. Neuroscientists describe parts of the brain and help students learn why it's so important to protect your brain in a related video.

Download the Science Activity Guide: Eggs-actly How Do We Protect Our Brains?(pdf, 10445 KB)

 

Two figures standing next to oversized thermometers. One figure is wearing shorts and a t-shirt, appears hot, and the thermometer has a high temperature reading. The other figure is in a coat and long pants, appears cold, and the thermometer has a low temperature reading.

The brain and perception (grades 2–5)

How do bodies sense changes in temperature? In this experiment for kids in grades 2–5, water of varying temperatures shows children that previous experience affects how you perceive the world. Watch a demonstration of the experiment in a related video.

Download the Science Activity Guide: How Hot Is It?(pdf, 8063 KB)

 

Diagram of a neuron.

Building neurons (grades 1–5)

What is a neuron? In this hands-on activity for kids in grades 1–5, students can build a model neuron and learn about the names and purposes of various neuron parts—dendrites, myelin, synapses, and more. 

Download the Science Activity Guide: Create Your Own Neuron(pdf, 5031 KB)

 

Outline of a head with a brain inside.

Brain anatomy (grades K–12)

Explore the functions of the four main lobes of the brain with fun Q&A-style video quizzes for kids in grades K–12 (ages 5–18):

 

More health and neuroscience information

NINDS produces health and science information to help the public understand the brain and nervous system and what happens when they don’t work properly. Click the links below to learn more.

Brain basics

  • The Life and Death of a Neuron - learn all about neurons—their discovery, basic architecture, research, and more.
  • Know Your Brain - a basic introduction to the human brain—how the healthy brain works, how to keep your brain healthy, and what happens when the brain doesn't work like it should.
  • Understanding Sleep - learn about how your need for sleep is regulated and what happens in the brain during sleep.

Neurological disorders, terms, and publications

  • Disorders Library - learn about different types of neurological disorders.
  • Glossary of Neurological Terms - improve your neurological vocabulary.
  • SEPA Resource Library - lesson plans and interactive educational resources developed with funding from the SEPA program. SEPA K–12 resources target state and national K–12 standards for STEM teaching and learning and are rigorously evaluated for effectiveness.
  • NINDS Catalog - order free materials in English and Spanish for your classroom or group.
  • Science Education resources - from across NIH.

Public health campaigns

  • The Mind Your Risks® campaign includes resources to show the connection between high blood pressure, stroke, and dementia. Take charge of your health today, help prevent stroke and dementia tomorrow. Nobody’s got you, like you got you.
  • The Know Stroke campaign helps people understand that stroke is an emergency and must be treated right away.
 

Research training and support for students

NINDS supports many research training opportunities and grant funding for students interested in neuroscience, neurology, and related careers.

NINDS summer internships for high school seniors

The NINDS Summer Internship Programs is an opportunity for talented high-school seniors, undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to receive high-quality training and mentoring in neuroscience research. Summer interns get hands-on experience working with leading scientists in the Institute's Division of Intramural Research, the "in-house" research component of the NINDS. Applications for Summer Internships usually open in November and close in February.

NIH and NINDS research training programs for high school and up

The NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) and NINDS offer research training programs for all students at many levels, including summer students in high school through graduate school, postbaccalaureate fellows, graduate students, and postdoctoral and visiting fellows.

NIH Science Education Partnership Award Program (SEPA) for K-12 educational institutions 

The Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program is an NIH program sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) that funds innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and Informal Science Education (ISE) educational projects for pre-kindergarten to grade 12 (P–12). SEPA projects create partnerships among biomedical and clinical researchers and teachers, schools, museums, science centers, media experts, and other educational organizations. Eligible institutions include colleges, universities, institutes, museums, and professional societies.