Wired for Fun: The Neuroscience of Play
Seattle Convention Center - 615
This presentation explores the neuroscience behind play and its impact on cognitive and emotional development, emphasizing the benefits of both high-tech and low-tech approaches. We will delve into the brain's reward systems, highlighting how play stimulates dopamine release, enhances neural plasticity, and fosters creativity. Using high-tech examples like video games and coding activities, we'll illustrate how digital play can enhance spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and social interactions. Simultaneously, we will discuss the value of low-tech play, such as creative play and physical activities, in promoting mindfulness, teamwork, and physical health. The presentation will include provide a comprehensive understanding of how play, regardless of its technological medium, is essential for brain development. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into integrating play into educational settings.
Session (50 Minute)
Brain Research/Neuroscience, Emerging Trends, Engagement, Equity and Inclusion, Gaming, Teacher Librarian, Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
All Audiences
All levels
All Grade Levels
Presented by
Elementary Educator and Neural Education Champion and Presenter
Neural Education
Megan Bublitz is a dedicated elementary educator with 11 years of experience, currently teaching 4th grade. She has a strong commitment to integrating brain-based learning practices into her teaching, which she has embraced through her work as a Champion for Neural Education over the past 4 years. Megan believes in the power of understanding how the brain processes and retains information, using this knowledge to design lessons that optimize student engagement, memory retention, and critical thinking. Her passion for brain-based education empowers students to reach their full potential while fostering a love of learning.
Teacher Librarian Technology Integration Specialist
Kent School District
Amber serves as a Teacher Librarian and Technology Integration Specialist in Kent School District, leveraging her Master’s in Teaching from Antioch University Seattle. Passionate about empowering young minds, she integrates Minecraft Education, Canva, Seesaw, and other cutting-edge tools into her K-5 library curriculum. With a focus on fostering creativity and innovation, Amber is committed to teaching students how to be creators, not just consumers, in the digital age. Her work bridges traditional literacy with technological fluency, inspiring the next generation to explore, innovate, and excel. Amber is a 4th year Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.
Elementary Educator, Neural Education Champion and Presenter
Neural Education
Dawn is passionate about teaching kindergarten and integrating neural education into everything she does. She believes that nobody is too young to learn about their brain!
