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Neuroplasticity in Action

An interactive abstract neural network showing how synaptic connections physically change with practice. Click Practice to strengthen the connections between neurons, or let them weaken during periods of Rest.

Learning Objective

Understand how neural connections strengthen through repeated use and learning (Bloom Level 2 - Understand).

  • Bloom Level: Understand (L2)
  • Bloom Verb: Demonstrate, illustrate, explain
  • Library: p5.js

Preview

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How to Use

  1. Click Practice to simulate one practice session. Watch the edges get thicker, brighter, and eventually glow purple as synapse strength rises.
  2. Click Practice 10x to jump ahead through many sessions.
  3. Click Rest 1 Week to see connections weaken from disuse. After a month of no practice you'll see the "use it or lose it" message.
  4. Click Reset to return to the starting beginner state.
  5. After 5 practice sessions, a quiz appears below the sim. Answer all three questions correctly for a celebration.

Key Concepts

  • Hebbian Learning: "Neurons that fire together, wire together."
  • Practice strengthens synapses — the connections get physically thicker.
  • Rest without practice weakens synapses — "use it or lose it."
  • Skill levels (Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert) emerge as synaptic strength grows.