PLTW HBS Brain Development Aging Timeline

Baby (Birth-2 years)

From birth, the brain grows, doubling in size

Baby (Birth-2 years)

Folding increases, as does the brain's surface area

Baby (Birth-2 years)

Begins building connections between neurons

Toddler (2-5 years)

The brain continues to grow; it is at 90% of adult size by age 5

Toddler (2-5 years)

More complex connections between neurons are built, allowing for higher-order cognition, self-awareness, and emotional awareness

Toddler (2-5 years)

Language areas of the brain begin to develop more strongly

Child (5-13 years)

Continues building more complex connections between neurons

Child (5-13 years)

Develops a sense of self and empathy for others (socioemotional development)

Child (5-13 years)

Strong capacity for learning new information and concepts

Teen (13-19 years)

Social-emotional development continues

Teen (13-19 years)

Judgment abilities, decision-making, and impulse control begin forming

Early Adult (20-40 years)

Judgment abilities, decision-making, and impulse control solidify

Early Adult (20-40 years)

Peak cognitive abilities

Older Adult (40-65 years)

Brain development slows

Older Adult (40-65 years)

Cognitive abilities may slowly decline

Senior Adult (65+ years)

The ability to learn new things declines

Senior Adult (65+ years)

Motor skills and short-term memory may decline

Senior Adult (65+ years)

Conditions such as Alzheimer's may set in