Participating in a brain study at MIT is lots of fun! We work in an interesting building because it is built right over train tracks. This is the entrance of our building.

Come on in, and the brain scientists will meet you in the lobby.

Every study starts with "consenting." To consent means to agree. Kids and parents sign our consent forms after a scientist explains the activities that will be part of the study. This is an official way of saying, "Yes, this study sounds like fun, and I'd like to participate!"

Fun games and activities are next. Sometimes you play on a computer, sometimes you write or draw with pencil and paper, and sometimes you read books or play with toys. These interesting activities help the scientists learn more about how you think.

To see your brain, we use a special brain camera called an MRI scanner. Some kids think it looks like a spaceship. What do you think?

Before going into the real scanner you will have a chance to play with our mock MRI scanner. Mock is a word that means pretend. In our mock scanner you can watch videos while you practice what it will be like to have your brain picture taken.

When you're ready, we'll visit the real MRI scanner to take pictures (and movies too!) of your brain.

And at the end of your visit you'll get to bring home...

...a cool picture of your brain!