Lesson Plan

Brain Plasticity Blueprint

Students will understand how neuroplasticity enables growth mindset, distinguish fixed vs. growth thinking, and set personal learning goals to foster resilience.

This lesson empowers 9th graders to recognize that effort builds new neural connections, promoting self-awareness, perseverance, and a positive approach to challenges aligned with CASEL competencies.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Poll

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Neuroplasticity

10 minutes

Step 3

Neural Pathways Mapping

15 minutes

Step 4

Goal-Setting Reflection

15 minutes

Step 5

Debrief & Closure

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Flexible Thinking: Neuroplasticity & Mindset

Welcome students! Today we’ll dive into how our brains can actually change and grow. Use this slide to introduce today’s focus: neuroplasticity and mindset. Emphasize the connection to self-awareness and perseverance.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Define neuroplasticity clearly. Explain that it’s not a metaphor—brains physically rewire when we learn. Invite a couple of quick questions.

How the Brain Changes

Walk through each bullet. Use a simple diagram or draw neurons and synapses on the board if possible.

Visualizing Neural Pathways

Share the field/path metaphor. Ask students to picture a grassy field versus a well-trodden trail.

Fixed Mindset

Introduce fixed mindset. Ask students if they’ve heard this term before. What might it look like in school?

Growth Mindset

Introduce growth mindset. Emphasize that it’s backed by brain science (neuroplasticity).

Fixed vs. Growth: Examples

Contrast real-life statements. Encourage students to think of their own examples.

Why Mindset Matters

Highlight why mindset matters for learning, goal-setting, and resilience. Connect back to CASEL self-awareness: recognizing our own thinking patterns.

Next: Neural Pathways Mapping

Transition to the hands-on part of the lesson. Explain that students will now map how their own brains formed pathways as they learned a new skill.