Neuron Navigation: Explore the Nervous System!

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Neuron Navigation: Explore the Nervous System!

Andrew Rohan

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to provide high school students with a comprehensive exploration of the nervous system through hands-on, real-world experiences, incorporating layered curriculum activities to cater to diverse learning styles. By engaging with community partners and creating interactive models, students will deepen their understanding of how the nervous system's structure and function enable human interaction with the environment. This project aims to foster critical thinking and application of knowledge by examining the impact of diseases, exploring treatment strategies, and reflecting on the nervous system's role in human development and adaptation.

Learning goals

Students will explore the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system by engaging in tiered activities that cater to different learning styles and depths of understanding. They will investigate neuron communication and its role in maintaining homeostasis, using a layered curriculum approach to allow for differentiated learning paths. By analyzing the impact of diseases and disorders on nervous system performance, students will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on projects and community engagement, students will reflect on the nervous system's adaptability to learning and experience, considering its implications for human development across various life stages and professions.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
NGSS - HS-LS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning.

Products

Students will create a sensory experience booth that simulates nervous system processes, allowing exhibition attendees to engage with sensory integration and neuron functions in real-time. They will also develop detailed models of the nervous system, incorporating both physical and digital elements, to demonstrate their understanding of its structure and function. To incorporate layered curriculum, students will have the option to choose from various project pathways, such as creating interactive digital presentations, constructing physical models, or developing case studies on specific nervous system disorders, allowing them to showcase their understanding in diverse ways.

Launch

Launch the project with a dynamic "Neuron Communication Challenge" where students form teams to construct life-sized neuron models using diverse craft materials. This activity will illustrate the structure and function of neurons and their role in maintaining homeostasis. Enhance the experience with a virtual reality component that simulates neuron signal transmission, providing an immersive understanding of the nervous system's response to stimuli. Conclude with a guest neurologist's insights on real-world applications, sparking curiosity and setting the tone for deeper exploration.

Exhibition

Students will host an interactive Nervous System Fair, inviting classmates, teachers, community partners, and family members to explore their sensory experience booths and detailed nervous system models. Attendees can engage with the sensory simulations, gaining firsthand insight into how stimuli are processed by the nervous system. Additionally, students will present their case studies on nervous system disorders, facilitating discussions on the impact of these conditions and showcasing their understanding of anatomy and physiology in real-world contexts. This exhibition will serve as a culmination of their learning journey, highlighting their creativity and depth of knowledge.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Launch the 'Neuron Communication Challenge' by forming student teams to construct life-sized neuron models using craft materials. This hands-on activity will help students understand neuron structure, including dendrites, axons, and the synapse.	Activity 2: Facilitate an interactive virtual reality session that simulates neuron signal transmission. This immersive experience will allow students to visualize how neurons communicate and the effect of external stimuli on the nervous system.	Activity 3: Host an introductory lecture with a neurologist who will discuss the real-world importance of the nervous system, its functions, and answer student questions.	Activity 4: Guide students in a collaborative research activity using online resources to explore the structure and functions of the nervous system, focusing on neurons and synaptic communication.	Activity 5: Begin developing interactive anatomy maps using digital tools. Students will start labeling parts of the nervous system, focusing on neurons and their roles, with opportunities for collaborative learning.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Life-sized neuron models with labeled components to demonstrate understanding of neuron structure and function. 2. Deliverable 2: Initial digital anatomy maps with labeled neuron parts and basic explanations of their functions and connections.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather and organize craft materials for the neuron model construction, such as pipe cleaners, clay, and yarn. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up and test virtual reality equipment or software for the neuron signal transmission simulation. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with a neurologist to schedule the guest lecture and provide an outline of key topics to cover. 4. Prep Task 4: Curate a list of reliable online resources for student research on the nervous system. 5. Prep Task 5: Provide students with access to digital tools for creating interactive anatomy maps and set up a collaborative platform for sharing their work.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Guide students in creating detailed digital models of the nervous system using CAD software, focusing on accurately representing synaptic connections and neurotransmitter pathways. Students will begin incorporating these into their sensory booth designs.	Activity 2: Facilitate a virtual or in-person visit to a local hospital or medical school, where students can learn about ongoing research and treatments for nervous system disorders. Students should prepare questions in advance to maximize learning.	Activity 3: Conduct a lab session where students perform experiments to observe nervous responses to various stimuli, using simulations to ensure safety and control. Discuss the implications of these responses in everyday life.	Activity 4: Begin a research project where students choose a specific nervous system disorder to explore in depth. They will gather data on symptoms, causes, and current treatments, as well as examine real-life patient experiences.	Activity 5: Set up a peer-collaboration session where students present their initial findings on sensory booths and case studies, exchanging feedback and suggestions to enhance their projects.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A digital model highlighting key synaptic connections and neurotransmitter pathways, shared on the collaborative platform. 2. Deliverable 2: A reflective journal entry documenting insights and questions from the hospital/medical school visit. 3. Deliverable 3: An initial draft of the case study on a chosen nervous system disorder, outlining key findings and areas for further investigation.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure access to CAD software or online tools for creating digital models, and provide tutorials or assistance as needed. 2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate with the hospital or medical school for the visit, confirming logistics and safety protocols. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare lab equipment or digital simulations for the nervous response experiments, ensuring all materials are ready and functional. 4. Prep Task 4: Compile resources such as medical journals and patient stories to support student research on nervous system disorders. 5. Prep Task 5: Develop a framework for the peer-collaboration session, including guidelines for giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Facilitate a workshop where students enhance their sensory experience booths by integrating advanced sensory elements like sound, light, and touch. Encourage students to apply layered curriculum principles, allowing them to choose different complexity levels for their designs.	Activity 2: Host a session where students explore the impact of diseases and disorders on the nervous system, using case studies and real patient experiences. Students will work in groups to analyze symptoms and treatments, incorporating insights into their case study projects.	Activity 3: Organize a seminar with a guest speaker from a rehabilitation center to discuss rehabilitation strategies for nervous system disorders. Students will document the discussion and reflect on the interaction in their journals.	Activity 4: Conduct a peer-review session where students present their progress on case studies of nervous system disorders. They will offer and receive feedback, focusing on research depth and clarity of their presentations.	Activity 5: Guide students in creating a detailed digital or physical model of the nervous system, emphasizing its ability to adapt to stimuli and learning experiences. This model will be refined for their exhibition presentation.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Updated sensory experience booth with integrated sensory elements that effectively simulate sensory processing. 2. Deliverable 2: Detailed outline of a case study on a nervous system disorder, incorporating feedback from the peer-review session. 3. Deliverable 3: Completed digital or physical model of the nervous system, showcasing its adaptability and response to stimuli.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare materials and technology for enhancing sensory booths, including LEDs, small speakers, and tactile materials. 2. Prep Task 2: Compile real case studies and resources for students to explore the impact of diseases and disorders on the nervous system. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with a rehabilitation center to secure a guest speaker and prepare for the seminar logistics. 4. Prep Task 4: Create guidelines for the peer-review session, emphasizing constructive feedback strategies. 5. Prep Task 5: Provide resources and examples for students to develop their nervous system models, ensuring access to necessary tools and materials.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Conduct a final workshop where students refine their sensory experience booths. They should ensure all components are functional and well-aligned with research on sensory processing. Facilitate peer feedback sessions to make final enhancements.	Activity 2: Organize a practice session for students to rehearse their presentations for the Nervous System Fair. They should focus on clearly explaining their models, sensory booths, and case studies to an audience unfamiliar with the technical details.	Activity 3: Facilitate a peer-review and reflection session where students provide constructive feedback on each other's comprehensive presentations, focusing on clarity, engagement, and depth of understanding.	Activity 4: Host a dress rehearsal of the Nervous System Fair, allowing students to set up their displays and practice interacting with visitors. This serves as a final check to ensure all elements are exhibition-ready.	Activity 5: Implement the Nervous System Fair, inviting classmates, teachers, and community partners to experience the students' work. Students present their sensory experience booths, models, and case studies, engaging visitors in discussions about the nervous system and its real-world implications.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A polished and fully functional sensory experience booth, ready for exhibition. 2. Deliverable 2: A comprehensive presentation of their nervous system model and case study, demonstrating their understanding and ability to communicate complex information effectively. 3. Deliverable 3: A reflection journal entry summarizing the learning experience, personal growth, and insights gained throughout the project.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure all necessary materials and equipment for the final setup of sensory booths are available and in working order. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange the logistics for the Nervous System Fair, including space allocation, visitor invitations, and any required technology setup. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide guidelines and a rubric for the final presentation practice and peer-review session, focusing on clarity, engagement, and depth of understanding. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with community partners to confirm their attendance at the fair and prepare a schedule for student presentations. 5. Prep Task 5: Prepare reflection prompts and journal templates to guide students in documenting their learning journey and personal reflections.