Monday, July 10, 2 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature this episode of NATURE. After watching, dive deeper with resources about the neuroprocessing abilities of cephalopods like octopus and cuttlefish on PBS LearningMedia.
In Octopus: Making Contact, follow an Alaskan professor as he raises and studies a day octopus in his home, making remarkable discoveries about its extraordinary intelligence, personality and skills. Octopuses are able to recognize faces and interact with other individuals.
PBS LearningMedia
The Cephalopod Brain
Grades 6-12
Learn about the neuroprocessing abilities of cephalopods such as octopus and cuttlefish in this video excerpt from NOVA scienceNOW: “How Smart Are Animals?” Correspondent Jake Ward meets with marine biologist Roger Hanlon to explore cephalopod intelligence and find out how these animals camouflage against different types of backgrounds. Cephalopods use their brains to quickly transform their shape, color, texture, and pattern to blend into their surroundings. Researchers have also documented evidence indicating that cephalopods have the ability to use tools and plan ahead.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!