Facts, Assumptions, and Cognitive Performance: walkthrough

Section role: supports the 'Synthesizing the Science of Self' section, guiding students through key definitions and the critical skill of distinguishing facts from assumptions, while the teacher facilitates discussion. Slides: (1) Title — 'Synthesizing the Science of Self: Unpacking Facts and Assumptions'; (2) Key Brain Vocabulary — bullets: definitions for subcortex, neocortex, hemispheres, 'infomania', connecting back to 'Reading 1: The Human Brain' from Section 2; (3) Fact vs. Assumption: The Foundation — bullets: define 'fact' with indicator words (e.g., 'certain', 'scientific', 'show'), define 'assumption' with indicator words (e.g., 'likely', 'theorize', 'subjective'); (4) The Truth About Multitasking — bullets: University of Utah study findings, impact on cognitive performance, the concept of 'supertaskers'; (5) Cognitive Boundaries and Lifestyle — bullets: the 'A Change of Mind?' study on smoking and IQ, how lifestyle affects brain function and boundaries; (6) Expressing Strong Opinions — bullets: strategy for directness in writing, using arguments and evidence to support a 'bottom line', sets up writing activity in Section 4. Closing slide: 'How will distinguishing facts from assumptions change how you approach new information?'

Lara from Teachy