In class we watched a video from The Nature of Things.
Your questions:
- What is special and really unique about the teenage brain and its potential (versus the “grown up brain”)?
- Explain the biology of the development of the teenage brain. You must demonstrate your understanding of the limbic system, the prefrontal cortex and dopamine.
- How is your generation so different than all other generations before you? Discuss the “Social Evolution” angle and weigh in.
- Explain the importance of peers to the teenager (with respect to risk-taking behaviours – referenced near the beginning of the video), and also the importance of peers to overall development (as mentioned near the end of the video).
- Explain why it is that teens often engage in risk-taking behaviours. What are the concerns? Are there any positive things about it?
- Explain how LOVE works when you are a teenager. Things to include – why it should not be dismissed as “puppy love”, dopamine, gender differences with respect to break ups, serotonin boosters (the good and the bad), why heartbreak can be a good thing.
- How does this episode connect with our study of the YCJA? Elaborate your answer fully.
