The brain

The brain

6th Grade

Science

Poll

What does the brain do?

• Controls your movements, senses, speech, heartbeat and breathing.

• It is protected by the skull.

• It works together with the heart to form the nervous system.

The Brain

• The brain is a soft, gray, wrinkly organ inside your skull.

• It works together with your nerves to form the nervous system.

• It controls everything you do: thinking, moving, sleeping, eating, breathing...

1a) How is the brain protected?

The brain is protected inside the skull.

1b) Why is it important to protect the brain?

Because it controls everything we do. If it was injured our bodies could not function properly.

2a) How does the brain send messages to, and receive messages from, other parts of the body?

By means of nerves.

2b) Why is it important that these messages travel very quickly? Think about this situation: you are crossing the road when suddenly you see a car speeding towards you.

Your body needs to react quickly in order to keep you safe/healthy. In this case your brain makes you move fast to get out of the way of the car.

3) Explain how your brain allows you to make a phone call to a friend.

Your brain allows you to move so that you can pick up the phone and selct the number; it lets you see what you are doing; it lets you hear the phone ringing and your friend's voice; it lets you talk to your friend.

Multiple Choice

Which part of your brain controls your heartbeat?

• cerebrum

• cerebellum

• brain stem

Multiple Choice

Which part of your brain helps you during a phone call?

• cerebrum

• cerebellum

• brain stem