Making Connections Through Brain Mapping

Understanding the components of the brain is key in psychology while exploring the human mind and its functions. Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Aurora Ramos Nuñez used an interesting activity to help students in her Foundation of Brain and Behavior course map the human brain.

After giving a lecture on the different areas of the brain, students worked in pairs and used shower caps to map the four lobes of the brain. One student wore the shower cap, while the other drew the four lobes of the brain on the shower cap in their corresponding locations. They then used sticky notes to label each lobe and its main functions.

“It’s called embodiment cognition. The idea is that by using their hands, eyes, and drawing on each other’s head, they will be able to learn the four lobes of the brain and its different functions,” Ramos Nuñez said.

Ramos Nuñez shared that during exams, students will often put their hands on their heads to remember the different lobes. She hoped the activity helped students understand the connection between the brain and behavior.

Students then had to answer the following reflection question: If you had to go through a lobotomy, which lobe would you give up and why? The difficulty some students had in deciding reemphasized how vital the brain is in everyday behavior.