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What’s the smartest age? - Shannon Odell

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The Science of Adolescence

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Tomorrow is the annual Brain Clash — a decathlon of mental challenges, trivia competitions, and puzzles. Amir needs a smart and capable teammate and must choose between three people; all of different ages and talents. So, who should Amir choose for the contest? Shannon Odell breaks down the idea of “smart” and explores how our brain development impacts our skills at various stages of our lives.

During a process known as synaptogenesis, our brains undergo rapid growth in the first few years of life, in which more than ______ new neural connections are formed every ______.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.

About The Science of Adolescence

The adolescent brain is spectacular! Between roughly the ages of 10 and 25, key connections are forming within the brain, between ideas, and between people. Understanding how this “connecting brain” works can help us facilitate positive development and make healthier decisions, enabling us to take advantage of the remarkable potential of these formative years.

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by TED Ed

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