Mindworks (DVDs)

Description

1. The Brain Eye Process. Our genetic makeup is more or less the same, so how come we act differently from one another? What triggers our actions and reactions, our thoughts and emotions? How exactly does the mind work? Every day we encounter different objects, sights, colors, shapes, and images. Sometimes, things are not what they appear to be. Before you think its magic, think again. Is it just your brain playing tricks on you? Never underestimate the power of the mind! Viewing time: 25 minutes.
2. Our Amazing Brain. No matter how small the act – whether its tying your shoe, or pressing a button – its all orchestrated by a complex system of nerves and what we call gray matter. While we think all our actions are random, these are actually a result of an intricate and amazing mental process. It is fun to discover how shapes, color, and perspective can change a lot about the way we see things or fail to see things. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
3. Visual Perception. From the moment you wake up, eat your breakfast, go through your day until you reach bedtime, you see millions of different images. Why do we see what we do? And how sure are we that what we are seeing is actually true or is it affected by something else? You’ll never know what is hiding behind or beneath the images that you see. It may be true that first impressions last, but remember, they arent always right! Viewing time: 25 minutes.
4. Visual Deceptions. Do you believe in ghosts, or do you think these supernatural beings are a figment of ones imagination? Psychologically speaking, are they just hallucinations? Whether or not these entities truly exist cannot exactly be proven. While most of these illusions are a result of how our brain and eyes respond to each other, we have also learned to create many tricks through science, technology, and art. It is fascinating to discover and relearn these old tricks, especially when they are given a modern twist. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
5. Altered Views. You’ve probably played a game of hide and seek at least once in your lifetime. Somebody closes their eyes; counts to 10, while the rest of the players go out and hide. Usually, they stay in places where they can remain unseen; it would be quite difficult for them to hide while in plain view, right? It is fun to learn that there are various ways to manipulate our views, and at times we can hardly believe our eyes. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
6. Auditory Illusions. If there are optical illusions that trick your eyes, there are also some auditory illusions that play with sound. Or rather, use sound to play with you! Can you imagine sound being able to affect how you feel? Some sounds will make you feel as if you are being moved – literally! The ranges of sound that surround us every day are infinite. Sometimes we are so used to hearing them, that nothing seems unusual. But by learning new ways to hear and listen, we open up a new world and the results are incredible. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
7. Everyday Illusions. Unconscious inference, or unconscious conclusion, is part of a theory on visual perception that says that human vision is incomplete and details are inferred by the unconscious mind to create a complete picture. Its like our brains are adapting to the loss, and it is filling in the blanks, sort of like a connect the dots game. The world has provided us with a lot of existing forms of magical illusions. Sometimes, we dont always notice them. Some of them, we probably see every day. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
8. Mind Over Matter. Thanks to our brain, we have access to things that we have experienced in the past. Its like having our own personal photo and video album, which we can view and replay whenever we want. From the time we were born, we have been collecting memories and learning various skills. Over time, all these new things weve absorbed make up who we are – even the dreams we experience when we sleep. The combination of all of these things creates our unique personalities, which, even if similar to others, can never be duplicated. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
9. Memory. What do you think determines how we make decisions – what we think, or what we feel? Our brain actually perceives and acts upon emotional stimuli. Emotions are a combination of cognitions, feelings, and actions, according to psychologists. So emotions are not just about what we feel but about how we process and respond to those feelings. Remember that even if our internal structures are virtually the same, we are all unique individuals. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
10. Illusions of Touch. Rough, soft, smooth, cold, or warm. We encounter so many different textures and sensations on a daily basis. Our sense of touch is able to recognize a lot of things, even when we dont use our eyes. But how does touch connect to our brain? FMRI studies show, that touch has a wide impact on the brain. It influences our sensations, movements, and thought processes, as well as our ability to learn new movements. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
11. Fooling the Tongue and Nose. There are so many different tastes and flavors. Sweet, sour, salty. Our tongue encounter many different types of food, especially if were adventurous. Taste cells in our mouth and throat form taste buds. These isolated taste buds are scattered on the surface of our palate and our throat. Our tongue and nose are very significant organs, allowing us to enjoy the many great things life has to offer. The truth is, it affects more than just our biological needs. It affects even our memories and emotions. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
12. Muscle Memory. Puppeteers use strings to control their movements. We, on the other hand, are manipulated by the brain. The brain is the center of our nervous system. The brain is in charge of controlling all the organs in the body. It generates patterns of muscle activity and promotes secretion of chemicals called hormones. This central control is what enables a quick and coordinated response to changes in the environment. Viewing time: 25 minutes.
13. Moods, Inspiration, and the Mind. Usually, you feel sad when you get into a fight with a friend, nervous before a big test or interview, and happy when you win at a contest or see a long-lost friend. In your mind, you might think you are in control of what you feel because you understand the causes of those feelings. But a lot more goes on inside your brain! As time passes, our brain gathers more information about who we are. The irony is, we often change as well, so the information about you changes too. Yet your subconscious brain retains everything. Viewing time: 25 minutes.