Redesign My Brain - Series 1 (ATOM Study Guide)

This series of three one-hour episodes tells the story of how scientific studies are demonstrating ways in which the brain's plasticity can be used to increase performance, through the experience of Australian TV personality Todd Sampson. In each episode, Sampson talks and trains with some of the world's leading researchers – Michael Merzenich, an American neuroscientist and pioneer in the field of brain plasticity, James Kaufman, also from the US and a global leader in the world of creativity research, and top Australian sports scientist David Martin, assist Sampson in his attempts to 'redesign' his brain.

Ideas that knowledge of brain plasticity could revolutionise how we live are put to the test as Sampson learns how to push his limits. Understanding the plasticity of the brain has been described as having the potential to cure learning and mental disorders such as OCD, bipolar disorder, addiction, ADD, autism and some dementias. In this series, the application of brain plasticity science shows rapid results in improved performance using 'mind-power'. The claim is made that these benefits can be achieved regardless of age.

Redesign My Brain takes viewers on a sometimes-surprising journey as Todd Sampson experiences firsthand radical changes in performance. Under the guidance of scientists researching brain and activity, Sampson spends twelve 'mind-expanding' weeks learning to train his brain to improve cognition, creativity and the mind-and-body connection. Across the series, Sampson shares with the viewer experiences designed to improve his mental speed, attention, memory, creativity, innovation, lateral thinking, body intelligence, visualisation and emotional intelligence.

Curriculum applicability
This guide is designed for use with students in Years 8–10. It is relevant to the General Capability 'Critical and Creative Thinking' as well as the subject area of Science. Activities in the guide could also be adapted to studies of Health and Human Development across all secondary levels, as well as to tertiary studies of Psychology.