Summer isn't over yet! Every Monday until August 31, there will be a new Summer Wonder Creativity Challenge for you to build, create, design or discover with your family, using materials you have at home. So far we've designed dinosaurs and dream libraries, built bird's nests and time machines and monuments, and made graffiti and sun prints. This week's challenge is a memory test. Are you ready?
During this challenge you will learn some facts about memory. Then you'll have a chance to see and memorize 12 interesting objects and then try to remember what you saw. After you've finished the test, ask yourself these questions:
- How did I remember the objects?
- If I try the challenge again, will I remember more objects, or less?
- Were there any objects that were easier to remember than others? Why?
Why do we forget things, anyway? Find out on the Wonder Wall! Here are some cool tips to help improve your memory:
- Write it down. Writing something down helps you plant a memory in your brain. If you have a test to study for, write out the information for better remembering.
- Make a connection. Create a picture in your mind to link two things together. For example, you don't have a bookmark and you want to remember that you are on page 12 of the book you are reading. Try picturing a carton of 12 eggs in your mind. Next time you open that book, you will think of that egg carton and know to start on page 12.
- Repeat it. If you say or think something over and over again, you help the memory become a long term memory. Say to yourself, "Brush your teeth before bed, brush your teeth before bed, brush your teeth before bed." Sounds like a tongue twister? Yes, but it will also help you to remember to brush your teeth before you head off to sleep!
- Chunk it. What does "chunk it" mean? Think of a phone number. It is much easier to remember the whole thing if you group the digits. Let's say your friend's phone number is 012789456. You can break it down into three groups: 012 789 456. It's the same for your library card. If you look, you'll see that the numbers on your card are already grouped. Can you remember your library card number? (If you don't have a card yet, some branches are open again so make sure you visit with your parent or guardian to sign up!)
It's important to keep learning to challenge your brain and improve your memory. Check out these books to help keep yourself sharp and brainy:
How Can I Remember All That? by Tracy Packiam Alloway and David O'Connell
Memory Fun: Facts, Trivia, and Quizzes by Elsie Olson
Miss Pell Never Misspells by Steve Martin and Martin Remphry
Remember 10 with Explorer Ben by Catherine Veitch and Duncan Beedie
The Ultimate Memory Handbook for Students by Aditi and Sudhir Singhal
