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Art by Defne Y. conscious experience. He called neurons “mysterious practicing or playing music during adolescence have an
Science and Art Come Together continued from page 5

effect on a person’s grades? Do arts like drawing or drama
butterflies of the soul.”
have effects on well-being?
We also now know that neurons, like butterflies, are
constantly changing. They’re always forming new
connections with one another, changing those connections By working with kids from childhood to young adulthood,
the ABCD researchers will be able to see more precisely
based on our experiences, and also—especially when we’re than ever how all of these young people’s activities and
children—allowing unused connections to wither away. experiences during their second decade of life affect both
This constant changeability of the brain, called “plasticity,” the way their brains mature, and other aspects of their
explains how we’re “wired” by our experiences. Every physical and mental health.
experience changes the brain a little. And in the first couple This issue of ChildArt is devoted to the ABCD Study, with
decades of life, experiences have extraordinary power to articles by some of the scientists involved in the study, and
shape who we are and who we’ll be for the rest of our lives. art by many of the children who are participating in it. I
Art by Emma C. From birth, and even from before birth, brain development hope you find the brilliance and creativity of all of these
Art by Paulina G. is shaped by interaction with the environment. This people as inspiring as I do. For more information about the
includes our physical environment—the food we eat and ABCD Study, visit abcdstudy.org.
the air we breathe—and our cultural environment, such as
Art by Lillian D. our family, school, media, and the arts.

The ABCD Study

My Institute, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is now
leading the biggest-ever study of childhood experiences
and their effects on how the brain develops. The
Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD
SM
Study®) is using advanced brain imaging and many other
research tools to study the changing brains of adolescents.
This study follows them through middle school and high
school, and into their first years of adulthood. It tracks many
of their experiences during that time: not only school and
physical activities like sports and sleep, but also creative

Art by Esther N. activities like music lessons or other kinds of art activities.
Research already suggests that getting training in the
arts, or practicing an art, strengthens parts of a person’s
brain. These parts include the prefrontal cortex, which
is necessary for judgment and critical thinking, and the
hippocampus, which is important for memory. The ABCD
Study will help us answer many questions, such as: Does
Art by Taylor H.
Movement and Dance continued from page 15

versions of themselves performing the dance. Researchers can learn a lot, too. Studying learning
Experiencing STEM “making” this way gives young people at the intersections of STEM and the arts allows us
Art by Heather C. opportunities to look at scientific facts and events in many to better understand educational experiences as a
different ways at the same time. They can also learn how social determinant of health, specifically for youth in
to represent science in creative ways, and how to work underrepresented communities. It can also help us to
with other students to develop and build on their ideas as understand how making art can help young people
part of the creative process. The students are intrigued by learn STEM subjects, feel good about themselves, and
uncertainty through hypothesizing, testing, iteration and handle challenges better. Dance-making is creating more
revision, and modeling. than dance: It’s helping young people to live happier,
healthier lives.
Art by Alexandria J.
Art by Austin O. Art by Annele K.