Did you know your brain changes and grows as you learn new things? Like a muscle, your brain gets stronger the more you use it. Your brain’s amazing ability to adapt is called neuroplasticity.

Question

The “neuro” in “neuroplasticity” relates to neurons. Neurons are nerve cells. They are the building blocks of the brain and nervous system. They interpret information that comes from the outside world. They also send signals to other neurons. When neurons in your brain are activated in a certain pattern, the connections between those neurons get stronger. As a result, it becomes easier for your brain to activate the same pattern in the future. In other words, every time you do a task, like throwing a ball, your brain remembers it. Next time, the task will be a little easier.

Strengthening our neural connections doesn’t just happen when we do something correctly. It also happens when we make mistakes! Neurons in your brain register when you make a mistake, and your brain rewires itself to improve next time. Every time we make a mistake, we are strengthening our brain’s neural pathways.

Brain science shows us that if we aren’t afraid to make mistakes, we can improve and accomplish difficult things. Having a growth mindset can help us do that. A growth mindset is the belief that mistakes are not failures, but instead are opportunities for growth. And it’s true! Even when you make mistakes doing a challenging task, you are expanding your brain’s capabilities. And as you try different ways to accomplish something, you are learning and building your brain’s connections!

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

(1 point)
Responses

The importance of making mistakes in learning
The importance of making mistakes in learning

The structure of neurons in the brain
The structure of neurons in the brain

How the brain changes and grows with learning
How the brain changes and grows with learning

The definition of a growth mindset
The definition of a growth mindset
Question 2
2. What does the term "neuroplasticity" refer to?(1 point)
Responses

The ability of the brain to interpret information
The ability of the brain to interpret information

The brain's amazing ability to adapt
The brain's amazing ability to adapt

The process of strengthening muscles
The process of strengthening muscles

The building blocks of the nervous system
The building blocks of the nervous system
Question 3
3. According to the passage, what happens when neurons in your brain are activated in a certain pattern?(1 point)
Responses

The brain becomes tired and needs rest
The brain becomes tired and needs rest

New neurons are created instantly
New neurons are created instantly

The brain loses its ability to adapt
The brain loses its ability to adapt

The connections between those neurons get stronger
The connections between those neurons get stronger
Question 4
4. How does the passage describe the relationship between making mistakes and brain development?(1 point)
Responses

Mistakes have no effect on brain development
Mistakes have no effect on brain development

Mistakes cause permanent damage to neural pathways
Mistakes cause permanent damage to neural pathways

Mistakes help strengthen neural pathways
Mistakes help strengthen neural pathways

Mistakes only affect certain parts of the brain
Mistakes only affect certain parts of the brain
Question 5
5. What is a growth mindset, as described in the passage?(1 point)
Responses

The belief that intelligence is fixed and unchangeable
The belief that intelligence is fixed and unchangeable

The idea that making mistakes is a sign of failure
The idea that making mistakes is a sign of failure

The belief that mistakes are opportunities for growth
The belief that mistakes are opportunities for growth

The concept that learning should be easy and effortless
The concept that learning should be easy and effortless

Answer 1

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

   • How the brain changes and grows with learning

2. What does the term "neuroplasticity" refer to?

   • The brain's amazing ability to adapt

3. According to the passage, what happens when neurons in your brain are activated in a certain pattern?

   • The connections between those neurons get stronger

4. How does the passage describe the relationship between making mistakes and brain development?

   • Mistakes help strengthen neural pathways

5. What is a growth mindset, as described in the passage?

   • The belief that mistakes are opportunities for growth