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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Human Body Science » Make a Brain Model

    Make a Brain Model

    March 2, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 10 Comments

    One of my favourite of Kerry’s experiments is her play doh brain, so when we found an old pack of play doh in the cupboard I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try it out.  First we found out some fun facts and then set about making a model brain.

    Cartoon diagram of brain structure and function #neuroscienceforkids
    Model Brain Diagram

    Fun brain facts for kids

    Did you know that our brains use 20% of the body’s energy, but only make up about 2% of its weight?

    Our brain is surrounded by a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid which acts like a cushion in case we bang our heads and also helps keep infections out.

    The human skull is made up of 22 bones joined together.

    How to make a play dough brain model

    This is not to scale and obviously the colours are not representative of an actual brain. Our model is really just to show the distinct areas of the Human Brain.

    I rolled each colour play dough into a sausage shape and wound it around itself to represent the ridges and grooves seen in the brain.

    Play dough brain model showing Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe and cerebellum. Brain model with labels
    Brain model with labels

    The outer part of the brain is called the Cerebrum, which is divided into two hemispheres, by a central fissure. Each Hemisphere is split into the 4 lobes, as shown above. Under the Cerebrum are the Cerebellum and the Brain Stem.

    The brain can be divided up into six main areas:

    The frontal lobe

    • reasoning, planning, parts of speech and movement, emotions, and problem-solving

    The Parietal lobe 

    • Senses touch, pressure, temperature and pain.

    The Occipital lobe 

    • Controls vision

    The Temporal lobe 

    • Recognition of hearing and memory

    The Cerebellum  

    • Controls and coordinates movements of the muscles

    The Brain stem – not shown

    • In charge of keeping the automatic systems of your body working, like breathing!
    Brain model showing the different lobes using playdough
    Play dough brain model

    Can you think of anything else we could use to make a model brain?

    This activity also features in Gross Science!

    Play doh brain activity, taken from Gross Science #Scienceforkids #halloweenscience

    More Human Body Science Experiments

    We had lots of fun making and testing recipes for fake blood.

    Ask a child to get a friend to draw around them on a large sheet of paper and then and draw in body parts or bones!!

    If you’ve ever wondered how your lungs work, our lung model is a great demonstration.

    Life Over Cs has a super cute play dough ant life cycle if you want to use the play dough for something else!

    Easy labelled brain model for kids. Make a play dough brain model to show the different lobes #brainmodel #neuroscienceforkids #modelbrain

    Affiliate links

    Last Updated on September 28, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ariadne - Positive Parenting Connection

      March 03, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      What a great idea! I will def. remember to use this to explain brain functions and emotional development!

      Reply
    2. Pinkoddy

      March 06, 2014 at 9:20 am

      How about papier mache? This is a great idea and love how you have described the different areas too.

      Reply

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