Interested in learning more about partnering with us through BrainWaves Discovery? Complete our interest form, and we will contact you with more information.
Educators and potential partners: Connect with us to bring the BrainWaves Discovery program to your community or group!
Our Explore 4-H programs give schools, educators and youth-serving organizations the opportunity to bring proven, research-based 4-H experiences to their communities.
Complete our interest form, and we will send more information to help you get started.
What is BrainWaves Discovery?
The BrainWaves Discovery program uses engaging, 30-45 minute activities to spark curiosity in neuroscience and support young people in developing wellbeing skills and practices that will keep their brains healthy and thriving.
Age group
Designed for grades 6-8
Youth outcomes
- Understand how the brain works and changes throughout life.
- Connect their behaviors and emotions to brain function.
- Practice mental wellness skills for a healthy brain.
- Identify potential higher education and career paths in neuroscience.
Program information
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Partners implementing BrainWaves Discovery receive curriculum, access to brain models and may also receive support from 4-H staff who can help facilitate or co-facilitate programs with their teams.
Fill out the interest form to get connected!
BrainWaves Discovery offers a snapshot of the full BrainWaves curriculum by teaching the basics of brain function, development and health through youth-friendly, real-life examples.
Lessons
Neurons - Youth create and test their own neuron models to see how the brain sends messages, helping them understand what’s happening inside their brains as they think, feel and move.
Adolescence and Brain Development - Youth learn the significant changes that take place in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence and explore how their experiences and choices shape healthy brain development.
Harmful and Helpful Risk-Taking - Youth learn about why risk-taking behavior is so prevalent in adolescence and gain a deeper understanding of how different types of risks can affect the brain’s development and functioning in different ways.
Social Media - Youth learn about the reward and habit systems within the brain that can affect our relationship with social media. Youth will also gain an understanding of how social media can impact cognitive function and wellbeing through participation in a relay learning activity.
Managing Stress - Youth learn how stress affects us, the importance of seeking help when feeling overwhelmed, and stress management techniques to cope with stress.
Exploring Careers in Neuroscience - Youth explore possible career options in neuroscience and begin to think about what they need to do to attain these possible careers.
Brainy Warm-ups and Icebreakers - Use these quick and engaging activities to activate the brain and provide brain-themed ways for youth to connect with each other during those in-between moments, such as breaks and arrival times.
Several of the BrainWaves Discovery lessons connect directly to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Minnesota Health and Science Standards.
Ready to explore?
Complete the interest form
Reviewed in 2026