Brain Waves: Tech's Impact on Teen Wellness

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Brain Waves: Tech's Impact on Teen Wellness

Daniel Sonrouille

HS-LS1-2

HS-LS1-3

Frame a question

Develop an inquiry plan

Select and evaluate sources

+ 10 more

Purpose

The project aims to immerse high school students in a scientific investigation of how digital devices affect the adolescent brain and body. Students will actively engage in inquiry-based learning, using neuroscience to understand the biological and behavioral impacts of device addiction. They will collect and analyze real-world data to develop strategies for healthier technology use, culminating in a community exhibition at the Digital Detox Fair. This project encourages students to apply critical thinking and inquiry skills to promote well-being within their lives and communities.

Learning goals

Students will explore the biological and behavioral effects of digital device usage on the adolescent brain and body, emphasizing the interaction of neurotransmitters, sleep disruption, and stress responses. They will engage in inquiry by framing questions, developing investigation plans, and gathering data, synthesizing findings to propose solutions for healthier device relationships. Through the project, students will analyze data quantitatively, build affirming life practices, and learn to give and receive feedback, fostering critical thinking and self-regulation.

Standards

HS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
HS-LS1-3 - Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

Competencies

Engage In Inquiry - Frame a question (EI.1)
Engage In Inquiry - Develop an inquiry plan (EI.2)
Engage In Inquiry - Select and evaluate sources (EI.3)
Engage In Inquiry - Gather and organize original data (EI.4)
Engage In Inquiry - Synthesize sources or findings (EI.5)
Engage In Inquiry - Frame a question (EI.1)
Engage In Inquiry - Develop an inquiry plan (EI.2)
Engage In Inquiry - Select and evaluate sources (EI.3)
Engage In Inquiry - Gather and organize original data (EI.4)
Engage In Inquiry - Synthesize sources or findings (EI.5)
Reason Quantitatively - Analyze and interpret data (RQ.2)
Sustain Well-Being - Build affirming life practices (SW.2)
Learn with Purpose - Give and receive feedback (LI.3)

Products

Students will create a portfolio of artifacts that includes explanatory models demonstrating the impact of digital devices on reward pathways and addiction. They will design and conduct a 4-week investigation to collect data on device usage and its effects, culminating in a comprehensive report that informs wellness initiatives. At the 'Digital Detox Fair,' students will present interactive exhibits showcasing their findings and propose actionable strategies for healthier device usage. Additionally, students will create visual timelines of their learning journey and reflective journals documenting personal device usage patterns and changes in mental and physical health.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Neuroscience and Technology Panel' featuring experts from the Digital Wellness Lab and NYC Teenspace, where students can engage in discussions and ask questions about technology's impact on the brain and body. Following the panel, challenge students to participate in a 'Digital Detox Challenge' by eliminating screen time for a day, encouraging them to record observations and reflect on their relationship with technology. These activities will set the stage for students to explore the essential question and begin their investigations with a deeper understanding of the topic.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Digital Detox Fair' where they present their investigations and models to community partners, parents, and peers. They will create interactive exhibits and demonstrations that highlight healthier device usage practices. This event will provide an opportunity for students to showcase their findings, engage with the community, and promote wellness initiatives informed by their research.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Neuroscience and Technology Panel - Attend a panel discussion featuring experts from the Digital Wellness Lab and NYC Teenspace to explore the impact of technology on the brain and body (45 min) Digital Detox Challenge Introduction - Learn about the Digital Detox Challenge and begin planning a day without screens, emphasizing self-awareness and reflection on technology use (45 min)	Exploring the Reward Pathway - Investigate the biological components of the brain's reward system and how dopamine release is triggered by digital devices, constructing explanatory models (45 min) Framing Inquiry Questions - Develop essential questions related to device addiction and its effects on adolescent health, setting the foundation for individual investigations (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Students submit a reflection journal from the Digital Detox Challenge, detailing their observations and emotional responses. 2. A completed inquiry plan for the 4-week investigation, including framed questions, data collection methods, and identified sources.
Preparation	1. Arrange for guest speakers from the Digital Wellness Lab and NYC Teenspace for the panel discussion. 2. Prepare models or diagrams of the brain's reward pathway for the hands-on activity. 3. Create guidelines and reflection prompts for the Digital Detox Challenge journaling activity. 4. Provide templates for students to draft and organize their inquiry plans. 5. Set up a framework for peer feedback sessions, including criteria for constructive criticism.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Modeling Dopamine Responses - Create detailed models illustrating how dopamine release influences adolescent behavior and device engagement (45 min) Developing Investigation Hypotheses - Formulate hypotheses for individual investigations on digital device usage impacts, using neuroscience concepts (45 min)	Data Collection Planning - Outline a structured plan for gathering data on device usage and its effects within selected groups (45 min) Exploring Sleep Disruption - Investigate how screen exposure affects melatonin production and sleep cycles, integrating findings into explanatory models (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Explanatory model demonstrating the impact of digital devices on the reward pathway, including diagrams and written explanations. 2. A framed research question reflecting the essential question, ready for peer review. 3. A detailed inquiry plan outlining the investigation process, including methodologies and data collection strategies. 4. Annotated bibliography of selected sources, highlighting the relevance and credibility of each. 5. Initial data set collected from surveys, interviews, or observational studies, organized for analysis.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials for interactive models and simulations, including digital tools and software. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide access to scientific articles, journals, and reports for background research. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop templates for inquiry plans and research questions, ensuring clarity and organization. 4. Prep Task 4: Create survey and interview question guidelines to facilitate data collection. 5. Prep Task 5: Arrange technology resources for data organization and analysis, such as spreadsheets or data visualization tools.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Analyzing Stress Response - Examine the HPA axis and its role in stress responses triggered by digital devices, creating diagrams to illustrate these mechanisms (45 min) Evaluating Digital Stressors - Identify common digital stressors and discuss their impact on mental health, using case studies to analyze effects (45 min)	Investigating Sleep and Device Use - Conduct experiments to measure sleep quality affected by device use, analyzing melatonin levels and circadian rhythm disruptions (45 min) Formulating Data Collection Methods - Design detailed data collection methods for personal or group investigations on device usage impacts, ensuring ethical considerations (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Draft investigation plan with outlined methods and objectives 2. Collection of initial data and preliminary analysis findings 3. Peer feedback summary and revised investigation plan
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for data collection (surveys, observation sheets, etc.) 2. Set up digital tools for data analysis (spreadsheets, data visualization software) 3. Arrange for peer review session logistics (group assignments, feedback forms)

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Digital Detox Fair Preparation - Organize presentation materials and rehearse interactive exhibits showcasing investigation findings and healthier device usage strategies (45 min) Peer Feedback Session - Exchange investigation portfolios with classmates to receive constructive feedback and refine final presentations (45 min)	Digital Detox Fair Execution - Host the exhibition where students present their investigations and explanatory models to community partners, parents, and peers (90 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed data analysis report with synthesized findings 2. Interactive exhibit design for the Digital Detox Fair 3. Reflective journal documenting personal insights and health observations 4. Visual timeline of the learning journey 5. Portfolio of artifacts including explanatory models and investigation results
Preparation	1. Compile all data and materials needed for analysis 2. Gather materials for exhibit construction (posters, digital presentations, models) 3. Organize workspace for exhibit assembly and testing 4. Prepare feedback forms and guidelines for peer review sessions 5. Coordinate logistics for the Digital Detox Fair (venue setup, invitations, schedule)