Build a Baby's Brain

A High School WebQuest  on the 
Importance of Early Experiences in Brain Development

Designed by

Sandra J. Nee-Jackson
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page
 


Introduction
Recent scientific research confirms that early experiences between a baby and his/her parents and caregivers have a lifelong effect on the baby's brain development.  It is important for parents and caregivers to know about brain development and what they can do to enhance their children's brain development during the crucial early years from birth to age three.  Since many parents and caregivers may not be aware of the recent findings on brain development and how to apply these findings in their interactions with their children, you have been given the responsibility of sharing this important information with parents and caregivers.  An essential question to think about as you complete this WebQuest is: What are the benefits to children, families, and our society when parents and caregivers nurture their children's brain development? 


The Task
You and members of your class will create a brochure for parents and caregivers of young children on brain development and the building blocks for enhancing brain development during the crucial years from birth to age three.  In order to accomplish this task, you will work individually researching internet sites as well as collaboratively in a small team and as a class to create and compile the sections of the brochure, which will be designed with Word.


The Process
1.  With the members of your assigned team, choose one of the four selections to research for the brochure.  Note:  The final brochure will be organized into two main sections:
  • meaningful information about early brain development
  • the building blocks for enhancing brain development from birth to age three


 Your assigned team will contribute to both sections.
 
Selection

1

 Brain Development: How Neurons Work and Connect

Building Blocks for Enhancing Brain Development During the Critical Age of Early Infancy (Birth to Age 6 Months) - Describe
Ways to Establish Positive Relationships During this Stage
Developmental Activities for Positive Interactions During this Stage
Selection

2

 Brain Development: How the Brain Learns

Building Blocks for Enhancing Brain Development During the Critical Age of Early Infancy (6 Months - 18 Months) - Describe
Ways to Establish Positive Relationships During this Stage
Developmental Activities for Positive Interactions During this Stage
Selection 

3

 Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity/Peak Times for Development

Building Blocks for Enhancing Brain Development During the Critical Age of Toddlerhood (18 Months to 24 Months) - Describe
Ways to Establish Positive Relationships During this Stage
Developmental Activities for Positive Interactions During this Stage
Selection

4

 Brain Development: How the Brain Becomes Organized

Building Blocks for Enhancing Brain Development During the Critical Age of Preschool (Three and Four Year Olds) - Describe
Ways to Establish Positive Relationships During this Stage
Developmental Activities for Positive Interactions During this Stage

2.  Individually, access the on-line resources on the topic of your research.  Use at least four of the internet sites. Organize your research notes using the graphic organizer, main ideas, for each of the two topics that you are assigned to research.

3.  With members of your assigned team, compare your graphic organizers on each of the two topics.  Integrate and compile the best ideas for your sections of the brochure.  Share responsibilities of recorder and facilitator.

3.  Using a two column format with a landscape orientation in Word, type the sections from your assigned team.  Use the designated font and size agreed upon by the class.  Share responsibilities - typist, layout designer (assists typist with the design of the layout), graphic artist (selects appropriate computer clip art for each section and the cover), and cover designer (works on a cover design to recommend to the class).  Print a hard copy and save sections on disk.

4.  As a class review the sections “in a gallery walk.”  Also, select the best cover design.  Make appropriate changes to the sections before merging the sections together to make the final brochure.


Evaluation
Make sure your individual research and team sections for the brochure include all the required components.  Click here to see the Evaluation Rubric.


Conclusion
After completing this WebQuest, you will have a better understanding about brain development and the building blocks for enhancing brain development from birth to age three.  You should feel proud of your accomplishment in developing a brochure to share this important information with parents and caregivers.  Think back to the essential question for this WebQuest: What are the benefits to children, families, and our society when parents and caregivers nurture their children's brain development? Now, write a reflective responsive response to the question.


Credits & References
Special Thanks to the Instructors and Mentors of eSecondary Maryland Technology Academy  for Anne Arundel County

These references are available in addition to the internet sites included in this WebQuest.
Brisbane, Holly, E., The Developing Child:  Understanding Children and Parenting, New York, Glencoe McGraw Hill, 2000.

Hildebrand, Verna, Parenting Rewards and Responsibilities, New York, Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2000.

Swierk, Marilyn, and Moore, Kimberly, Nurturing Brain Development, New York, Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2000.





Please email any questions and/or comments to Sandra J. Nee-Jackson.
 
 



Last updated on August 3, 2000. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page