Make me ... smart.

The first in a three-part series presented by Michael Mosley. In this part Mosley looks at intelligence and attempts to see if he can increase his own IQ. Mosley visits MENSA and decides to take an IQ test. To train his mind for the test he meets Ben Pridmore, the UK memory champion, and attempts to memorise the order of a pack of cards. We also meet some mothers who are showing their babies flash cards as young as 6 weeks old to help them with their reading. He attends a course 'how to multiply your intelligence' where babies are taught mathematics. Are IQ scores dependent on up-bringing? Professor Jim Flynn is studying the reasons why black and white people have such different IQ scores - he describes this. In Boston an alternative intelligence test to the traditional IQ test is being developed which measures different skills. Professor Bob Sternberg has devised a test which measures creative ability, practical skills and wisdom - Mosley tries it out and also tries out a neuro-feedback session aimed at increasing concentration for surgeons. Mosley re-takes his Mensa IQ test and participates in a card memorising competition.