Making a brain model is a great way of learning the different parts and functions of the brain. Here are some tips you can follow to make a brain model.

Before starting your brain model, you have to be familiar with its different parts and functions.

Hemispheres of the Brain

• The 2 hemispheres of the brain are the left and right hemispheres. These hemispheres are connected together by a thick bundle of fibers called corpus callosum.
• The right side of the brain controls the left side of our body while the left side of the brain controls the right side of our body.
• The left hemisphere is responsible for analytical and logical thinking. This is also the part that controls our speech.
• The right hemisphere of the brain is associated with color, imagination and dimensions. It’s also the part responsible for our intuitions.

Different Lobes of the Brain and its Functions

• The frontal lobe is responsible for reasoning, planning, speech, movement and problem solving. This is situated at the very front of the brain.
• The parietal lobe can be seen at the back of the frontal lobe, just right above the occipital lobe. This lobe controls our perception, orientation and recognition of different stimuli.
• The occipital lobe can be found below the parietal lobe. This is considered to be the smallest of all the four lobes and is mainly responsible for visual processes.
• The temporal lobe is responsible for auditory stimuli, memory and speech.

The Brain Stem

The brain stem can be seen at the bottom of the brain. This part connects the brain to the spinal cord and is responsible for the vital processes of our body, like breathing and digestion. It’s also in charged of the movement of our involuntary muscles, like the cardiac muscle.

Making a Brain Model

Now that you know some parts and functions of the brain, it’s time to make your own brain model to show in class.

Paper Mache Model

Things You’ll Need:

• Chicken wire
• bowl
• strips of paper
• paint
• flour
• white glue

Steps:

1. Make a paste
   • There are 2 ways of making a paper mache paste. One way is to mix glue with water. Another way is by mixing flour with water and boiling it for about 3-4 minutes. Let it cool. (More tips on how to make paper mache)
2. Create the form of your brain
   • You can use a chicken wire to make the form of the brain. If you don’t want to do this, you can just use a medium size bowl as your form. Turn it upside down.
3. Wrap your form with strips of paper
   • Completely cover the form with strips of paper. Apply generous amount of paper mache paste for each layer.
   • Wait for the layer to dry before starting on another layer. 4 to 5 layers of paper are good enough.
4. Paint your paper mache
   • When the paper mache is completely dry, gently separate it from the chicken wire form or the bowl.
   • Paint your paper mache using different colors for the different lobes. You can use a black paint to show the divisions.

Brain Cookie

Things You’ll Need:

• Cookie dough
• Baking paper
• Candy sprinkles
• Icing

Steps:

1. Create the shape of the brain with the dough.
2. Place your dough on a sheet of cookie paper. If you’re making more than 1 brain cookie, be sure to set them apart properly. You don’t want them sticking together later on.
3. Pre-heat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit.
4. When your brain cookie is done, let it cool for a while
5. Use different colors of candy sprinkles for the different lobes of the brain.
6. With an icing, create the gyri and divisions of the different lobes.

Brain Model from Flour

Things You’ll Need:

• bowl
• saucepan
• flour
• water
• food coloring
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup salt
• cream of tartar
• butter knife

Steps:

1. Mix flour, water and the cream of tartar in a bowl.
2. Add the vegetable oil and stir well.
3. Transfer the mixture into a saucepan.
4. Add food coloring. A red color would make your brain model looks real.
5. Add a cup of salt.
6. Use the low heat setting of your stove and stir until the mixture gets thick.
7. Place the mixture in a bowl and let it sit for a while.
8. When it’s cool enough for you to hold, form the shape of the brain.
9. With a butter knife or the end of a spoon, create the divisions and gyri of your brain.

Making a brain model as a science project can be really fun. Use your creativity and imagination in making your model. There are numerous ways to make one. Apart from an artsy model, raise your grades by being very knowledgeable on the different parts and functions of the brain. If you enjoy learning this project, now its time for you to know how to make a DNA model.

Watch The Video

Brain Model Anatomy 1

Brain Model Anatomy 2

Human Brain Model with Veins