Hassan Hasan - PLF4MI

BRAIN GAINS 
Answer the following questions while watching the CBC National news special on ‘Brain Gains’.

1. What is ​neurogenesis​? How do exercise and physical activity affect it?

Neurogenesis: the growth and development of nervous tissue
“Nothing creates new brains cells better than physical activity”

2. How does neurogenesis affect behaviour?

how do you plan to provide exceptional service

winning characteristics to develop leadership at Sjam
for me going above and beyond looks like

3. Describe the exercise program that Naperville Central High School in Chicago
implemented. What were the results?

Results: Concentration, hard working, no swearing

Raising the heart rate turns on the front part of your brain that controls impulses, so exercising
reduces fighting, swearing, ADHD etc.
- Preserves brain cells, sharpen brain function, reduces stress.
Gained a full grade level in reading, writing, math.
Reading 20%, comprehension 400%, in 4 months.
Reading 20%, math 20%, comprehension 35% in 4 months.

4. What were some of the struggles/ barriers that Allison Cameron faced when introducing
her program at City Park Collegiate in Saskatoon?
● Treadmills are large pieces of equipment, finding a space for multiple to fit in was a
difficulty
● Treadmills are not flashy and attractive, getting the kids to use it was a difficult objective

5. What have been the effects (benefits) on student success of Cameron’s new exercise
program?
a. Increased concentration
b. Increased productivity
c. Less profanity
d. Increased attention spans, with less fidgeting

6. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling impulses? How does exercise affect
it?
Frontal Lobe
Involved in controlling motor function, problem-solving, spontaneity, memory, language,
initiation, judgement, impulse control, and social and sexual behaviour.
Hassan Hasan - PLF4MI

7. How does exercise affect the hippocampus?

a. Nerve Growth
i. The brain is a muscle that can be “worked out” to get stronger
ii. Increases heart rate, creating better oxygen flow to the brain
iii. Exercise can also boost mood by triggering the release of feel-good
hormones and chemicals, like endorphins, which can improve brain
health
iv. Increased growth factors, to grow neuronal connections

8. What ​kind​ of exercise ‘sharpens’ brain function? What type of exercise is recommended
for high school students?
a. Aerobic Exercise boosting the hippocampus
b. Exercising at a comfortable speed for 20 minutes

9. How has Barney and Dusten’s performance changed as a result of the exercise program?
a. Barney:
i. Was able to pay attention
ii. Read and write
iii. Sit for more than 10 minutes
iv. Gained responsibility (handing in assignments)
v. Developed goals for his own future
vi. Academically increased reading 20%, comprehension 400% (4x)
b. Dusten
i. Became interested in class
ii. Reading improved 25%
iii. Math improved 25%
iv. Comprehension 30%

10. John Ratey author of Spark, explains, “our brains are geared for us to move… if we don’t
we get into trouble”. What type of trouble is he referring to?
- Drugs
- violence
- lack of motivation
- obesity

11. How can we apply the information from this video to SJAM? Come up with an initiative
you could lead as a Rec Leadership class to increase physical activity to promote
learning.
As part of the leadership team, physical could be implemented in all homeroom classes after the
national anthem and territorial announcements. Stating, please before you sit down, do 10
jumping jacks to increase your heart rate at the beginning of your day. Secondly, promoting
physical activity during lunch, as a form of a recess in the Sjam fields to promote different sports
such as soccer, rugby, and football.