The Brain

The Kids Crew and Katie Stone explore the most powerful organ in the human body—our brain! Joined by Ingrid Lane and Nick Aase from the Mind Research Network at the University of New Mexico, they uncover how the brain controls everything we do, from breathing and moving to thinking and feeling.

Find the episode page, learning guide and activities at https://www.childrenshour.org/the-brain

Listeners learn about the brain’s different parts—like the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes—and how they each control special functions such as hearing, seeing, speaking, and decision-making. The guests explain how neurons communicate with tiny electrical signals and chemicals, creating the thoughts, memories, and emotions that make each of us unique.

The crew also discovers how the two sides of the brain work together, what “neuroplasticity” means, and why our brains can rewire and change even as we get older. They explore how scientists use special machines like MRI and MEG to see brain activity and learn how our minds adapt and grow through life.

Finally, the Kids Crew finds out how animal brains compare with ours and why calling someone a “bird brain” isn’t an insult at all—because birds are incredibly smart!

The Brain was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Amber Schiel writes our learning guides. We are grateful to BirdNote for use of their content in today’s episode.

Our theme music is by C.K. Barlow. The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children’s Hour Inc., a New Mexico nonprofit organization, and distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network.

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