Why are we so obsessed with puzzles?
The pandemic has intensified the role puzzles play in our everyday lives. What are puzzles really? Are they merely a catalyst for entertainment, or do they provide a genuine boost to the brain and well-being? Can they provide order amidst the chaos of our lives? This lecture will provide a brief historical overview of puzzles while gaining insights into the art of puzzle solving as we seek to understand why they have stood the test of time. Why should we bother deliberately trying to challenge ourselves by solving puzzles? Puzzles tease our brains but do they provide any brain benefits, strengthen the brain, or even stave off brain degeneration? This lecture will provide some answers and even promote new ways to integrate puzzles into your life in ways not imagined before.
Biography:
Stacy A. Costa is a Ph.D Candidate at the University of Toronto in Curriculum Studies, Teacher Development and Engineering Education. Her research involves advancing knowledge work within education innovation to understand a student’s argumentation and understanding of complex problems. She is an enigmatologist and Ted Talk speaker. As a public speaker, she has presented to various groups (Mensa, Toronto Public Library, University of Toronto) on topics such as: the importance of puzzles for the brain, puzzles and problem-solving in education, and the role of puzzles in our everyday lives. As a puzzle designer, she has created work for The Toronto Star, Kellogg’s Cereal and The Government of Ontario. She also is actively pursuing research on puzzles and the brain.
Cambridge Third Age Learning (CTAL) is a movement that encourages learning and discovery experiences for those in the “third age”—the stage in one’s life beyond full-time employment. By cultivating opportunities for discussion and engaging the expertise of local university professors and community professionals, CTAL supports anyone with intellectual curiosity and an interest in life-long learning.
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Be inspired at Idea Exchange in Cambridge! Connect with the public libraries and public art galleries of Cambridge. Idea Exchange supports and inspires our community with an environment of discovery for people of all ages.
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