What is Embodied Cognition

Embodied cognition is best defined as actions which assist the brain’s cognitive processing as our thoughts are shaped by the types of perceptual and motor experiences we have as we interact each day with the world (Glenberg 2008). The project is rooted in modern neuroscience which notes that: "when we study the brain to look for the networks controlling cognition, we find that all of them are linked in one way or another to sensory systems, motor systems and / or motivational systems” (Tucker, 2007, 59).  For example, if you were explaining concepts related to forces (e.g. push and pull), you would ask the pupil to actually pull or push either real or imaginary objects using their limbs and body. Similarly, if explaining ‘friction’, the action of rubbing one’s hands across a kitchen table / school desk and then bedroom / classroom carpet would be used. The key factor is ‘cognition for action’ (Glenberg 2008, 43), where the child’s body is ‘active’ as they engage with the scientific concepts / skills.