Explore how the human brain works by creating a computational model of neurones out of students that plays Snap.

After explaining how neurones in the brain work, create an artificial version that is programmed to play Red-black Snap. Then test it against other artificial brains. This activity explores how computational modelling (a key part of computational thinking) can be used to help understand biological systems – here neurones. We see how the way our brains work has also been the inspiration for a new way to program computers and so give them intelligent abilities.

Learn about:

• Computational thinking (in an interdisciplinary context)
• Computational modelling
• Neurones

Interdisciplinary Links

• Biology: This activity gives a fun way to teach about neurones on the KS3 and KS4 Biology syllabuses.

Resources
This session comes with linked activity sheets and ‘story’ write-ups that you can download:

• Activity Sheet: Activity-brain-in-a-bag [PDF]
• Slides: Slides-brain-in-a-bag [PPT]