Neuroscience for Middle School Students
- National Geographic offers an interactive feature on brain anatomy. Explore interior and exterior views of the brain, discover the functions of different brain structures and stimulate a neuron.
- In two class periods, the “Neuroscience 101” lesson from Sowing the Seeds of Neuroscience introduces students to the fundamentals of the nervous system. Students will learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. Next, students will learn about neurotransmission, the electrochemical process by which neurons send signals. They then participate in several activities that model the functions of neurons. See also these lesson plans connecting medicinal plants and neuroscience.
- Neuroscience for Kids’ Dr. Eric Chudler, who is also one of the leaders at our center, introduces five students to the basics of neuroscience in a video. The show begins with an introduction to the nervous system. The kids then visit laboratories, where they learn about automatic functions of the brain and how the electrical activity of the brain is recorded. They also get to see a real human brain and build their own model nerve cells and brains. The video runs just over 28 minutes.
- For a more detailed look at the parts of the nervous system and structures and functions of the brain, visit “Divisions of the Nervous System” on the Neuroscience for Kids website.
- Make your own neuron and brain models using pipe cleaners, clay, beads and more.
- Learn how the nervous system interacts with the skeletal, cardiovascular, muscular and other systems.
