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National Standards: Life Science: cell; behavior of organisms;
scientific inquiry.
Target Audience: Second year Biology, Anatomy and Physiology classes.
OBJECTIVES:
- To learn the cells of the brain normally function.
- To identify parts of a neuron.
- To observe how messages pass through a neuron.
- To demonstrate how messages pass through a neuron.
- To propose possible causes of mental illness as they relate to
neuron structure and function.
Students will view a video on brain and neural function. They will answer
questions and have a class discussion pertaining to the video.
SUGGESTED TIME: 1-2-class periods for viewing of video, demonstration,
class discussion and writing.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
NIMH Brain Video
Computer with CD-ROM, graphics board and sound system
Paper
Pen or pencil
Model of brain
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR THE TEACHER:
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The
brain is a soft, wrinkled mass of tissue weighing about 1.4 kilograms and
accounts for about 2 percent of the body weight. The human brain is the
most complex organ known. Although computers have been likened to it and
have been designed along similar principles, even the most intricate
computer does not begin to rival the complexity of the human brain. The
massive number of brain cells, or neurons, are highly interconnected to
each other. Together they form neural circuits that govern human
physiology and behavior.
ENGAGEMENT:
Pose the following questions to the students: How many of you know
anyone who has ever suffered from depression or anxiety? How many of you
experience anxiety whenever there is an exam?
PROCEDURE:
- Show the NIMH Brain Video. Have students
answer the Video
Questions in the Student Guide during screening.
- Demonstrate how information is passed from one neuron to another by
having students line up and hold hands. Initiate conduction by
touching the arm of one student. Have this conduction be passed from
one student to another by squeezing the hand of the next person from
the point of contact until the hand of the last student has been
squeezed.
- Facilitate class discussion of video and questions (Video may be
shown again if requested by students).
- Have students work with a model of a brain and have them identify
specific parts and their function.
- Have students answer the Check for Understanding questions in the
Student Guide (may be given as homework).
APPLICATIONS: Lessons in behavior, physiology, nerve-muscle interaction
and motion.
Back to the Video
Provided by: Fe E. Dumapias, Phoenix North High School, Phoenix,
AZ
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