Memory, Attention & Distraction

Learning Objectives

Different parts of the brain work together to form different types of memory.

The brain processes a lot of information at once.

In order to be stored in long-term memories, information must flow first through sensory and short-term memory

Abstract

In a classroom-sized model, students use color-coded yarn to connect different parts of the brain, building a model that shows how brain regions work together to form different types of memories.

Materials

One skein of yarn in each color below (6 total), rolled in to a ball:

• Red: divide skein in half and roll in to two balls
• Blue: divide skein in half and roll in to two balls
• Green, yellow, purple and orange: one ball each

Flashlight or Laser Pointer

Brain Room - Teacher Guide (pdf)

Brain Room Cards

Print and cut out. There are 16 unique cards, make extra copies of page 2 as needed to ensure one card per student.

Brain Outline (lateral view)

For your reference in setting up the space, or to project.

A classroom-friendly application of a classic test of working memory and attention. Students work in groups of 2-3 to conduct a simple comparison of working memory tasks.

Stroop Test (fillable pdf)

Extension: Group class data and graph the number of errors for each task, or errors vs. time.

A worksheet to help students take notes on the failings of memory depicted in The 7 Sins of Memory video on the Learn.Genetics website. A discussion question about the sins of memory being adaptive in other contexts is also included.

Seven Sins of Memory Worksheet (fillable pdf)

Supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Grant No. R25OD011129.

The contents provided here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIH.