This is a worksheet for the video "Horizon: Battle of the Brains", which covers the topic of intelligence and intelligence testing in particular. It would probably work best in a Psychology or AP Psychology unit.
The video is available on youtube and shows seven people from seven different careers undergoing a battery of intelligence tests. The video probes into how these tests measure intelligence, whether they are effective or not in measuring intelligence, and shows the latest research from modern intelligence theorists.
The worksheet has basic questions about events in the video but also asks students to "try out" some of the intelligence tests along with the participants and also requires some reflection on what students learned the most.
Answer key is included.
This document uses the fonts "Trajan Pro" and "Chaparral Pro"; if your computer does not have these fonts installed, it will automatically replace it with a default font which may cause the spacing of the document to be different than seen in the screenshots and require you to re-format.
Please also note that this webquest contains links to outside websites for additional content to expand upon topics. At the time of this posting, all links have been verified and are working, but I cannot predict when web addresses may change or be removed. If you notice a link not working, please let me know and I will rectify it.
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Horizon: Battle of the BrainsDirections: Answer the questions as you watch the video.1.What kinds of questions are shown to be part of the IQ test?2.What symbol represents overall intelligence? Psychology Battle of the BrainsIn this documentary, psychologists use many different tests to try to determine who is the mostintelligent. The contestants are:Susan– Chess MasterGary– Jet PilotAlex- Music ProdigyNathan– 162 IQSeth–Quantum PhysicistStella– ArtistBonnie– PlaywrightThe IQ TestWhat type of subtests are included on a traditional IQ test?Verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speedThe idea of a single, overall intelligence is calledthe “g”.From lecture, you know the main researcher associated with this idea isIQ testing.The top IQ scorers were:1.Gary2.Nathan3.SethPractical Intelligence – The BottleWho came closest to solving it?Stella
Watch a Video: Animal Brainpower
Discuss: Which examples of animal intelligence shown in the video impress you the most? Explain.
Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.
- nervous system
- invertebrate
Set a Purpose for Reading
Draw attention to the “As You Read” question. Have students identify signs of intelligence in animals.
1. Based on the article, what are some reasons animals use tools?
Some animals use tools for protection, like dolphins putting sea sponges on their beaks, octopuses carrying shells to hide inside, or elephants using branches to swat flies. Others use tools to get food, like chimps using sticks to dig for termites.
R.9 Integrate Information
2. How is a dolphin’s unique whistle similar to a human name?
A dolphin’s unique whistle is similar to a human name in that it can be used by other dolphins to identify that dolphin.
R.5 Comparison
3. How does the author support the claim that octopuses have a lot of brainpower?
The author explains that octopuses have a central brain and a complex nervous system that enables their arms to move as if they’re making their own decisions.
R.8 Reasons and Evidence
FEATURED SKILL: Main Idea
Use “Heading Hashtags” to have students create hashtags identifying the main ideas of each boxed section. Offer an example: #DolphinsTeamUp.
R.2 Main Idea
Multilingual Learners
Display the closed captions as you watch the video to help students make a stronger connection between spoken and written English.
Striving Readers
Point out the phrase “big noggins” in the elephant section of the article. Ask if students have ever heard the term noggin, and explain that it’s an informal way of saying “head” or “brain.”
Critical Thinking
Discuss: Why do you think scientists have such a hard time agreeing on a definition of intelligence in the animal kingdom? How would you define animal intelligence? Explain your reasoning.