Middle-school teachers are sometimes tempted to ask students, “What planet did you come from?”  The adolescent brain can, after all, seem alien to adults. 

In this week’s podcast we hear stories that dip into scientific reasons for the space-cadettery of adolescence, and how knowledge of this science can help teachers and parents hold onto composure when kids start acting like “absolute twits.”

MUSIC:

Intro: “Yice Hole!” by CHIGGERTICKY

Outro: “Breaking out of Detention” by CHIGGERTICKY

Sources: 

The adolescent brain (Khan Academy):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fa8U6BkhNo&t=3s

Myelination and the brain (Khan Academy):

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/organ-systems/neuron-membrane-potentials/v/effects-of-axon-diameter-and-myelination

Myelination and synaptic pruning (Lumen Learning)

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/chapter/brain-development-during-adolescence/