Teachers encourage using memory tricks, but do they actually work? Scholars test word association in a short yet engaging activity. They use 10 seconds to memorize as many items as possible and determine if they are more successful if the items are related or random.

Concepts

memory, word associations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• After at least 10 minutes away from the activity, see how many items they still remember and discuss any change from the number they remembered immediately

Classroom Considerations

• Requires student pairs to complete the task
• Gather supplies in advance of class

Pros

• Uses simple materials
• Works well in a rotation of activities about brain function

Cons

• Misprint on the teacher reference, "How to Make the Memory Box Experiential Station"—the fifth item should say "One set of random objects," not related

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3