| HUMAN
BRAIN AND SENSES COURSE MATRIX |
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SYNOPSIS |
SCIENCE
CONCEPTS |
PROCESSES |
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6. |
Perception
(4–5 sessions)
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Students
investigate depth perception and are introduced to the brain's
role in processing visual images. They explore a umber of optical
illusions and investigate the phenomenon of persistence of vision
with flip books and zoetropes. |
•
Depth perception depends on the overlapping visual fields of
two eyes.
• Optical illusions occur when visual information conflicts
with what the brain “expects” to see.
• The perception of motion occurs when the brain receives
a series of short-term still images. |
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Conduct investigations.
• Construct apparatus to gather, analyze, and interpret
data.
• Develop descriptions and explanations using evidence. |
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7. |
Touch
(4–5 sessions) |
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Students
investigate the receptors for touch and the number of pain,
pressure, and cold receptors on the back of their hands. They
construct and analyze EEG color maps for touch and compare them
to EEG maps of vision. |
•
Touch is expressed in at least four sensations: pressure, pain,
hot and cold.
• Each touch sensation has its own kind of receptor cell.
• Some locations on the skin's surface have no receptors
for pain and temperature. |
•Conduct
experiments, organize data, and draw conclusions about touch
receptors.
• Transform graphical data into an EEG color map.
• Compare structure and function of two sensory systems.
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8. |
Sending
a Message (2 sessions) |
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Students
test their reaction time to a visual stimulus. They are introduced
to the neuron as the basic cell of the nervous system, and to
the transmission of messages from neuron to neuron. |
•
Neurons are the cells that convey messages to and from the brain.
• Sensory neurons carry messages from the sense organs
to the brain; motor neurons carry messages from the brain to
the body.
• Messages travel through neurons as electricity and from
neuron to neuron via neurotransmitter chemicals. |
•
Conduct experiments, organize data, and draw conclusions about
reaction time.
• Relate a simulation to the functioning of the nervous
system. |
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9. |
Sensory
Investigations (6 sessions) |
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Students
use what they have learned about the brain and the senses of
vision and touch to investigate other senses. |
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All senses have specialized receptors.
• Sensory systems can decline or fail in many ways. |
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Research and independent study.
• Collaboration and presentation skills. |
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page 6
of 8 |
