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Tacoma/South Puget Sound MESA

Activities - Brain Power

mesaday

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2007-2008


 

Brain Power


MesaDay03Build a 3 dimensional model of a bisected head and answer related questions.

Download Event Rules Here




Level/Grade

Middle/Grades 6 - 8

High School/Grades 9-12

Teams

2 students per team

Diversity Statement Entrance Requirement

Teams should reflect the diversity and cultures of the real world.  “Diversity is about peoples’ strengths and their differences,” Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.  As reflected in our mission, MESA wishes to underscore the importance of diversity and strongly encourages that a team is put together showcasing different cultures, strengths, and abilities.

Each student will be required to have on file with the MESA office one short diversity statement (one paragraph), either as a team member or an individual, by February 28, 2008 to be eligible to compete at MESA Day.  (One statement per student not per activity.)  Each statement should explain the diversity of their team or various teams or, for individuals, be a short statement on the value of diversity.

Overview

Students will build a 3-dimensional model of a bisected head and will answer provided questions.


Materials

The following materials will be provided by the student:
   
•    modeling clay and/or dried food items with which to build their model
•    materials to build the 3 dimensional model


Rules

1.    Designated materials must be used in the model's construction.
2.    The model should meet minimum and maximum size requirements.
3.    The hand drawn diagram of the bisected head should be displayed.
4.    A materials table should also be displayed.
5.    The competitors will attempt to answer five questions.
6.    An audience will not be allowed during the judges' questioning session.


Judging

1.    The competition will be judged in two parts (separate from the diversity portion of the activity).  Judges will receive a score sheet.
2.    The first element judged will be the model of the bisected head.
3.    One point will be awarded for each of the following:  (3 points maximum)
a.    The display including the stand and all of its components should fit into a space that is 3 ft. high x 3 ft. wide x 2 ft deep.  The model of the brain is no smaller than 1 ft. high x 1 ft. wide x 1 ft. deep
b.    The display is freestanding at the time of judging.
c.    The display has a clearly labeled (14 required elements), hand-drawn diagram of the bisected head (a computer print out or copy from a book are not acceptable).

4.    The designated materials include items commonly found in the average household such as:  pasta, rice, cereal, etc.  (NO CANDY or marshmallows).  Modeling clay is acceptable.  Use of any other items will result in disqualification.  Each structure must be represented by a different material or color.   A table of all materials utilized should be included in the display.  An example follows:

Example:  BRAIN POWER - Materials Table


 Structure
 Item
1.
 Frontal Lobe
 Elbow Macaroni
2.
 Cranium
 Dried Cranberries
3.

4.



5.    One point will be awarded for each of the required elements listed below (0.5 points if the item is present and an additional 0.5 points if the item is labeled, 14 points maximum).

Item
 Present: 0.5 Points
 Labeled: 0.5 Points
Frontal Lobe

Parietal Lobe

Temporal Lobe

Occipital Lobe

Limbic Lobe

Cranium

Cerebrum

Corpus Collosum

Cerebellum

Cerebral Cortex

Brain Stem

Mid Brain

Pons

Medulla Oblongata



6.    Points will be awarded for accuracy.  (4 points maximum)

7.    Points will be awarded for creativity.  (4 points maximum)  Does the model display characteristics of originality and creativity in terms of overall composition?   Has a creative use of materials been demonstrated?

8.    The second element judged will be the students' understanding of brain anatomy.  (10 points maximum)
a.    Students will receive the attached list of questions that will be asked at the competition.
b.    Judges will determine the order of competition.
c.    Students will randomly select 5 questions from a jar.
d.    Each correct answer will be awarded 2 points.


Awards

Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Questions for Brain Power Contest: High School

  1. Which lobe of the brain is important for vision?
  2. Which lobe of the brain is important for the sense of touch?
  3. Which lobe of the brain is important for hearing?
  4. Which part of the brain is important for reasoning?
  5. The temporal lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  6. The occipital lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  7. The parietal lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  8. The frontal lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  9. What is the approximate weight of an adult brain?
  10. What is the approximate size of the brain?
  11. Which lobe of the cerebrum controls motor functions?
  12. Define reflex.
  13. Define seizure.
  14. Define amnesia.
  15. Define migraine.
  16. What is the Latin name for brain?
  17. What is the job of the Mid Brain?
  18. Which side of the brain contains the nerves for the left side of the body?
  19. Which side of the brain contains the nerves for the right side of the body?
  20. Which lobe of the brain is primarily concerned with emotions and memory?
  21. Which section of the brain connects the cerebral hemispheres?
  22. Which section of the brain is important for coordination of movement?
  23. What is the function of the medulla oblongata?
  24. What does "pons" mean?
  25. What happens to the brain after a meal rich with carbohydrates?
  26. Norepinephrine, released after a protein-rich meal, has what effect on the brain?



Questions for Brain Power Contest: Middle/Junior High School

  1. Which lobe of the brain is important for vision?
  2. Which lobe of the brain is important for the sense of touch?
  3. Which lobe of the brain is important for hearing?
  4. Which part of the brain is important for reasoning?
  5. The temporal lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  6. The occipital lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  7. The parietal lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  8. The frontal lobe is located on which part of the brain?
  9. What is the approximate weight of an adult brain?
  10. What is the approximate size of the brain?
  11. Which lobe of the cerebrum controls motor functions?
  12. Define reflex.
  13. Define seizure.
  14. Define amnesia.
  15. Define migraine.
  16. What is the Latin name for brain?
  17. What is the job of the Mid Brain?
  18. Which side of the brain contains the nerves for the left side of the body?
  19. Which side of the brain contains the nerves for the right side of the body?