Neuropathfinding: Kinesthetic Model

Students model the migration of neuronal axons to find their targets.

Manduca sexta Wax Model

Students construct a wax model of the nervous system of the caterpillar, Manduca sexta.

Connect the Neurons!

Students model the chemical communication between neurons.

Ethics of Dissection

Students debate on the ethics of dissection to understand the social context and complexity of science.

Card Sort Challenge

Students explore the relationship between motor response time and cognitive load, using a simple deck of playing cards.

Bird Song: Variety in Communication

Students read two children's books and explore differences in bird and human communication.

Balance: The Ears Have It

Spinning a student around in a chair demonstrates how the vestibular system senses different types of circular motion.

Attention and Sensory Processing

Students will learn about how the brain changes information provided by the senses.

Altered Reality

The human brain is highly adaptable. This activity demonstrates how the brain adapts to a new situation. Students investigate learning to toss beanbags at a target while wearing prism goggles.

Students collect and interpret data and then have an opportunity to design additional experiments.

Bead Neuron

Students will make bead neurons and use them as models to understand the specialized cellular structure and function of neurons and how neurons communicate with each other.

Taking the time to construct a bead neuron gives students the chance to think about the anatomy and function of this structure. Using different color beads to represent the various parts (cell body, axon, dendrite, nerve terminal, etc.) may help students to identify each part more easity during discussion.

Classroom