The ideal Brain Building MiddleSchoolBy Gabe Semenza and Timmy Barrick

Sleep and the Teen brain!

Facts:•Teens need- around 9 hours of sleep to function at their best

•Melatonin- produced later at night and in morning as pubertal development progresses

•Lack of sleep: Limits learning, listening, concentrating and problem solving

•Memories and connections are strengthened while you’re asleep and are being processed

Sleep is very important!

Stress

Middle school can be very stressful•When stressed- pituitary gland releases adrenaline and cortisol- faster heartbeat, tense muscles, blood pressure goes up •Stress can interfere with decision making•A little stress- helpful, a lot of stress- anxious to the point where you can’t function•Long term stress- makes person overwhelmed and can weaken the bodies immune system

Down time can be just as important for brain building as schoolwork

•While at rest- brain is in “default mode”– Brain is making different type connections-

communication skills, understanding of the world, social connections and reflection

– Down time – also relieves stress– Allows kids to be well rested and attentive in school

the next day

• Three classes a day: 1 hr 45 min long- get more out of the classes– Classes would have a physical activity/exercise portion- people

who are fit- larger basal ganglia: helps maintain attention and ability to coordinate actions and thoughts

• School starts later- more sleep• Study periods- reinforce connections• A week and B week- alternates which classes you have

three times a week

• Homework amounts have risen- past 30 years• Studies show science, history, and English homework- almost no

impact on test scores • Every time we pull a memory- it strengthens and becomes more

lasting- notes and reading don’t have this effect

The only homework in our schedule would be to study for upcoming quizzes and tests

• Allows middle schoolers to have – More sleep– More time for extracurricular activities and relaxing – Less stress– Less class time wasted on checking homework

Questions…

Thank you

Sources• http://www.google.com/imgres?

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• http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep

• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/28/sleep-memory-linked_n_983902.html

• http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct01/sleepteen.aspx

• http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/phys-ed-can-exercise-make-kids-smarter/

• http://health.yahoo.net/experts/allinyourmind/4-reasons-your-brain-needs-quiet-time

• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/opinion/sunday/quality-homework-a-smart-idea.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

• http://www.pamf.org/teen/life/stress/managestress.html#Exercise

• http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html

• http://blog.gaiam.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/cynthia-down-time-photo.jpg