The Brain and the Musculoskeleton System - Part 2

 

What Are the Parts of the Brain?

Your brain has many different parts that work together. We're going to talk about these five parts, which are key players on the brain team:

Cerebrum 

Cerebellum 

Brain stem

Pituitary gland

Hypothalamus 

What's the Cerebrum?

The biggest part of the brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain and it controls your voluntary muscles — the ones that move when you want them to. So you need your cerebrum to dance or kick a soccer ball.

You need your cerebrum to solve math problems, figure out a video game, and draw a picture. Your memory lives in the cerebrum — both short-term memory (what you ate for dinner last night) and long-term memory (the name of that roller-coaster you rode on two summers ago). The cerebrum also helps you reason, like when you figure out that you'd better do your homework now because your mom is taking you to a movie later.

The cerebrum has two halves, with one on either side of the head. Scientists think that the right half helps you think about abstract things like music, colors, and shapes. The left half is said to be more analytical, helping you with math, logic, and speech. Scientists do know for sure that the right half of the cerebrum controls the left side of your body, and the left half controls the right side.

What's the Cerebellum?

Next up is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum. It's a lot smaller than the cerebrum. But it's a very important part of the brain. It controls balance, movement, and coordination (how your muscles work together).

Because of your cerebellum, you can stand upright, keep your balance, and move around. Think about a surfer riding the waves on his board. What does he need most to stay balanced? The best surfboard? The coolest wetsuit? Nope — he needs his cerebellum!

What's the Brain Stem? And What Are Involuntary Muscles?

Another brain part that's small but mighty is the brain stem. The brain stem sits beneath the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum. It connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord, which runs down your neck and back. The brain stem is in charge of all the functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood.

Part of the brain stem's job is to control your involuntary muscles — the ones that work automatically, without you even thinking about it. There are involuntary muscles in the heart and stomach, and it's the brain stem that tells your heart to pump more blood when you're biking or your stomach to start digesting your lunch. The brain stem also sorts through the millions of messages that the brain and the rest of the body send back and forth. Whew! It's a big job being the brain's secretary!

What's the Pituitary Gland?

The pituitary gland is very small — only about the size of a pea! Its job is to produce and release hormones into your body. If your clothes from last year are too small, it's because your pituitary gland released special hormones that made you grow. This gland is a big player in puberty too. This is the time when boys' and girls' bodies go through major changes as they slowly become men and women, all thanks to hormones released by the pituitary gland.

This little gland also plays a role with lots of other hormones, like ones that control the amount of sugars and water in your body.

What's the Hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is like your brain's inner thermostat (that little box on the wall that controls the heat in your house). The hypothalamus knows what temperature your body should be (about 98.6°F or 37°C). If your body is too hot, the hypothalamus tells it to sweat. If you're too cold, the hypothalamus gets you shivering. Both shivering and sweating are attempts to get your body's temperature back where it needs to be.

Play a THE VERY LAST NEW Kahoot to practice!

Book "The 1,000-Year-Old Boy" by Ross Welford

About the author:

Ross Welford is a British author known for writing children's stories. He is acclaimed for his ability to create engaging and imaginative tales that captivate young readers. Welford writes children's stories because he is passionate about sparking creativity and curiosity in young minds, and he believes in the power of storytelling to inspire and entertain children while addressing important themes and life lessons. 

Here is a good review of the book. 

Ross Welford with Nigel Clarke

His books often explore themes such as friendship, family, adventure, and the wonder of the world, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking for his target audience.

Why to read this book?

1. Unique Premise: "The 1,000-Year-Old Boy" has a highly original and intriguing premise - a boy who has lived for a thousand years. This unusual concept immediately piques curiosity and sets the stage for an engaging story.

2. Engaging Protagonist: The main character, Alfie Monk, is a relatable and endearing protagonist despite his extraordinary age. Readers can connect with his struggles and experiences as he navigates the challenges of living for so long.

3. Themes of Friendship and Identity: The book delves into themes of friendship, belonging, and the search for one's identity, making it a meaningful and emotionally resonant read for young and adult audiences alike.

4. Thought-Provoking Exploration: It explores thought-provoking questions about the passage of time, the impact of history on an individual, and the value of relationships across generations.

5. Humor and Heart: Ross Welford's writing combines humor and heart, creating a perfect balance of lighthearted moments and poignant insights that make the story both enjoyable and emotionally touching.

6. Adventure and Mystery: The novel incorporates elements of adventure and mystery as Alfie seeks to uncover the secret of his longevity, which keeps readers engaged and eager to discover the truth.

7. Suitable for Various Ages: "The 1,000-Year-Old Boy" is suitable for a wide range of ages, making it a versatile recommendation for children, teens, and adults. The level of vocabulary is NOT too difficult. I would say you can follow the story without stopping and going to the dictionary constantly. 

8. Strong Positive Reviews: The book has received plenty of positive reviews for its storytelling, character development, and thematic depth.

Overall, "The 1,000-Year-Old Boy" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on life, time, and the enduring power of friendship, making it a book worth recommending to others.

This is a recommendation and this book could be read before christmas holidays. Also chapters are short which can make it easier. 

Here is a link to the book. 

Here is another link to the book in PDF.

Asia (2)

 

Here is a documentary about Singapour that you can watch. It's very interesting! 

Asia

 Discovering Asia: A Colorful Tapestry of Geography and Culture

Welcome, young explorers, to the fascinating continent of Asia! Get ready for an exciting journey as we delve into the rich tapestry of geography and culture that makes Asia a truly extraordinary place.

Geography: A Land of Diversity

Asia is the largest continent on Earth, and its geography is as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. From the icy tundra of Siberia in the north to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, and from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the vast deserts of the Middle East, Asia is a land of extremes.

1. Mountains and Peaks: Imagine standing on the roof of the world! Asia is home to the mighty Himalayas, where you'll find Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. These towering mountains not only shape the landscape but also influence the weather patterns across the continent.

2. Rivers and Valleys: The rivers of Asia are like lifelines, providing water for countless communities. The Ganges in India, the Yangtze in China, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia are just a few examples. These rivers carve through valleys, creating fertile lands where people have thrived for centuries.

3. Deserts and Oases: Journey to the deserts of Asia, where vast stretches of sand meet rocky landscapes. The Arabian Desert and the Gobi Desert are homes to unique plants and animals that have adapted to survive in harsh conditions. Amidst the desolation, you'll find oases – like refreshing islands – providing water for both nature and people.

4. Islands and Coastlines: Asia boasts stunning coastlines and beautiful islands. From the tropical paradise of Bali to the bustling city-state of Singapore, these places offer a mix of sun, sea, and vibrant cultures.

Culture: A Mosaic of Traditions

Now, let's uncover the cultural wonders that make Asia a mosaic of traditions, beliefs, and celebrations.

1. Languages and Scripts: Asia is a treasure trove of languages and scripts. Mandarin, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic – each language has its own unique beauty. The characters and scripts used in writing are like works of art, telling stories of ancient civilizations.

2. Religions and Festivals: Asia is the birthplace of major world religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism. Colorful festivals, such as Diwali in India, Lunar New Year in China, and Ramadan across the Middle East, bring communities together in joyous celebrations.

3. Traditional Arts: Get ready to be amazed by the traditional arts of Asia! From intricate Chinese brush painting to the rhythmic beats of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming, each art form tells a story and preserves the cultural heritage of its people.

4. Cuisine: Your taste buds are in for a treat! Asian cuisine is a symphony of flavors and aromas. Sushi from Japan, spicy curries from India, and noodles from China – each dish reflects the unique culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Asia, with its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, is a continent waiting to be explored. So, put on your explorer hats and get ready for an adventure filled with wonders from the snowy peaks to the sandy shores!