From mad scientists, to lunar landings, to outrageous weapons, science is gracing the big screen. But just what’s plausible, capable, or already happening?
Join one of Canada’s best-known science journalists on November 22nd when the host of CBC’s Quirks & Quarks….http://thevic.ca/item/quirks-and-quarks
For more info about Bob McDonald’s CBC Radio show, visit here: http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/host/. Bob’s Book is entitled:
Measuring the Earth with a Stick: Science as I’ve seen it:
http://www.kidsbooks.ca/The-Quirks-&-Quarks-Guide-to-Space/Product.aspx?ProductID=121009&DeptID=0
http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/books/
His book, which was short-listed for the Canadian Science Writers Association Book Award, is a collection of essays reflecting on his 25 years as a science journalist. Bob also hosted and wrote a children’s TV science series, Heads Up!, which ran for 3 seasons on TVO and the Knowledge Network. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board for Geospace Planetarium. Here is Bob’s Science Blog: http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/host/
For info on Our Awesome Science Learning Lesson Plans, Games and Activities, feel free to visit here:
http://www.science-lessons.ca/lesson-plans/index.html
http://www.science-lessons.ca/games/brain.html
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To Think; “Reserve your Right to Think, for to think wrongly is far better than to not think at all”. (Famous Genius Hypathia of Alexandria (350/370-415 A.D.) Hypathia, a gal ahead of her time, was a pioneer for furthering human brain potential.
The human brain is the center of the human nervous system and is a highly complex organ. Brain evolution, from the earliest shrewlike mammals through primates to hominids, is marked by a steady increase in what is known as “encephalization” – the ratio of brain to body size. It is estimated that the human brain has 50–100 billion neurons! Our human brain is protected by the thick bones of the skull. Literally floating, it is also suspended in cerebrospinal fluid, and is isolated from the bloodstream by what is known as the blood-brain barrier. It requires much protection due to its floating delicate nature.
There are several ways of exercising one’s brain to keep it sharp and healthy, though only exercises that include all 3 of these functions: (1) high oxygen, (2) coordination and (3) memory sequences ~ actually build new dendrites (new neural pathways). Two of the best exercises that do all 3 of these functions are ballroom dancing and ping pong. Aerobic exercise (fast breathing) such as running, dancing, swimming or sports, done 1 hour prior to mental activity such as studying or learning, gives a flush of oxygen to brain, actually growing new brain dendrites.
There are numerous foods and nutritional supplements that are required for growing and sustaining a healthy brain. Strong iron supplies in the blood is critical in carrying more oxygen to the brain, and teenage girls require a fair bit more iron in their diet than growing teenage guys, and therefore doctors sometimes suggest supplementing. Iron-rich foods include spinach, the popular tasting liver J. Fish oils are known as brain oils because they contain EPA and DHA from omega-3 fatty acids that build brain cell membranes (EPA is Eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA is Docosahexaenoic acid). The best are cold water fish like salmon, herring and cod. The fish make EPA and DHA by eating microalgae that live in seawater. These are critically important for a happy healthy brain! Vegetarians receive their important brain chemicals EPA/DHA (Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic acids) from omega-3 plants such as flaxseed, walnuts and primrose oil, though only when combined with the first protein such as blue-green micro-algae. When combined, these foods promote healthy neuron growth in the brain, maintaining cognition and happy mood feelings!
It is critically important to always protect the brain with a helmet when engaging in contact or fast-moving sports. Drinking carbon-filtered water daily is essential for maintaining the brain’s required fluid levels. Choosing deodorants and anti-perspirants made without aluminum is best. Being kind to your brain includes using shampoos, lotions and soaps that only have body-friendly chemicals.
Vitamin E boosts the brain’s oxygen, improves and preserves memory and intellectual performance. Vitamin E rich foods are broccoli, carrots, kale, grapes, onions, blueberries, spinach, oranges and sweet potatoes. Even though the brain makes up a mere 2% of our total body weight, it uses 20% of our body’s blood supply and oxygen, most critical for full brain functioning.
These are some of the many ways to make a genius human brain. It is so wonderful that today’s brain scientists say that literally anyone can have a genius brain if they have the proper nutrition and do the right exercises on a daily basis.
…..for Learning how our solar system works, here is one of our fun Learning games:
http://www.science-lessons.ca/games/brain.html
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