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. 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

Answer 1

1. What is the main idea of this passage?
   Response: How the brain changes and grows with learning

2. What does the term "neuroplasticity" refer to?
   Response: 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?
   Response: The connections between those neurons get stronger

4. How does the passage describe the relationship between making mistakes and brain development?
   Response: Mistakes help strengthen neural pathways

5. What is a growth mindset, as described in the passage?
   Response: The belief that mistakes are opportunities for growth