Why are teenagers so hard to understand? This lively and interactive seminar explores current brain research to explain cognitive and emotional developments in middle and high school students. Through the field of neuroscience, you will explore the development of neural networks and myelination to better understand teenage thinking and feeling. In the field of psychology, you will consider the importance of working memory, self-control, attention, and motivation – and their key differences in teenagers. These scientific explorations will inform your teaching practice and offer practical classroom strategies. The workshop will also consider research into sleep, the unique sleep needs and schedules of adolescents, and their implications for current school schedules. Finally, you investigate the surprising and often contradictory research into technology usage and video games that keep adolescents busy and (dis-)connected. You will leave with a deeper understanding of adolescent brains and minds, and ways to better serve them in school.