Chapter 1
Your brain on a playground
Chapter 2
Games that save the world
Chapter 3
Gamifying the everyday world
Chapter 4
Play-based learning in action
Ch 1 · Your brain on a playground
duolingo Personal Play Personalities
Are you an explorer, a mover, or creator? Find your play style to light up your brain!
duolingo Dopamine released during play strengthens neuron connections in your hippocampus, the memory center that secures new information.
Quiz
Which chemical messenger, released during play, helps the brain's hippocampus form stronger long-term memories?
Quiz
According to cognitive research, how much can a playful approach improve long-term memory retention compared to passive learning?
duolingo Low-stakes games lower cortisol levels to calm your brain's overactive amygdala.
Quiz
Which part of the brain acts as the threat detector, shutting down creative thinking when you feel stressed?
Quiz
What primary stress hormone is lowered during play, helping the brain shift out of fight-or-flight mode?
Fun Fact
Play: Rats that play frequently have larger prefrontal cortexes than those deprived of play, proving that fun physically shapes the mammalian brain.
Quiz
In what year did scientists first discover the brain-boosting protein known as BDNF?
Quiz
What is the full name of BDNF, the protein released during active play that acts like brain fertilizer?
Glossary
dopamine (noun)
A neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in reward, motivation, and learning. In 1957, Arvid Carlsson identified this chemical, which surges during playful, low-pressure learning to reinforce cognitive development.
A neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in reward, motivation, and learning. In 1957, Arvid Carlsson identified this chemical, which surges during playful, low-pressure learning to reinforce cognitive development.
Quiz
Who is the founder of the National Institute for Play who identified the eight distinct human play personalities?
Quiz
If a person loves organizing games, arranging collections, or planning events, which play personality do they most likely have?