Mind Explorers: Unraveling the Brain's Mysteries

10th Grade

Project
2 weeks

Mind Explorers: Unraveling the Brain's Mysteries

Cheryl Graham

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 10th-grade students in an exploration of the human brain, focusing on its structure, functions, and the impact of disorders on individuals and society. Through this project, students will deepen their understanding of how different parts of the brain influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how this knowledge can be applied to improve brain health and reduce mental health stigma. By integrating scientific research, creative expression, and critical analysis, students will develop a comprehensive perspective on the brain's role in learning and memory, fostering both personal growth and societal awareness. The project aims to cultivate empathy, promote socio-emotional development, and empower students to contribute to real-world solutions related to brain health.

Learning goals

In this project, students will explore the intricacies of the brain, focusing on understanding its structure, functions, and the impact of disorders on both individuals and society. They will learn to identify key brain regions and their roles in emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Students will investigate various brain disorders, examining their causes, symptoms, and societal implications. Additionally, the project will emphasize the importance of brain health and strategies for promoting it. Through this exploration, students will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, while fostering empathy and awareness of mental health issues. The project aims to connect scientific knowledge with real-world applications, encouraging students to engage in discussions about mental health stigma and the importance of brain health in education and daily life.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-LS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

Products

Throughout this project, students will engage in a variety of creative and analytical tasks to deepen their understanding of the brain and its impact on emotions, behaviors, and society. They will produce a comprehensive case study analysis on a specific brain disorder, examining its effects on individuals and society while proposing strategies for promoting brain health. Students will also create a multimedia presentation that explains the role of different brain parts in influencing emotions and behaviors, incorporating visuals and animations to enhance their explanations. Additionally, they will design a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing mental health stigma and promoting brain health, using posters, videos, or social media content to reach a broader audience. The project will culminate in a Mind Matters Symposium, where students will present their findings and engage with guest speakers, and a Neuro-Art Gallery, showcasing student-created artwork inspired by brain functions and their connection to emotions. These activities will not only demonstrate students' understanding but also foster empathy, creativity, and critical thinking.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive Brain Exploration Workshop. Begin with a captivating video or virtual reality experience that takes students on a journey through the brain, highlighting its different parts and functions. Follow this with a hands-on activity where students create 3D models of the brain using clay or other materials, labeling key areas and discussing their roles in emotions and behaviors. This engaging start will spark curiosity, provide a tangible understanding of the brain's complexity, and set the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Mind Matters Symposium: Organize a symposium where students present their case study analyses on brain disorders and their impact on society. Invite guest speakers such as neuroscientists or psychologists to provide insights and feedback, creating a collaborative learning environment. Neuro-Art Gallery: Create an art gallery featuring student-created artwork inspired by different parts of the brain and their functions. Include interactive exhibits and digital installations that highlight the connection between brain health and emotions, inviting the school community to explore and reflect.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Launch the project with an interactive Brain Exploration Workshop. Begin with a captivating video or virtual reality experience of the brain. Follow with a hands-on activity where students create 3D models of the brain using clay, labeling key areas and discussing their roles in emotions and behaviors.	Day 2: Introduction to Brain Structure and Function - Lecture and class discussion on the general structure of the brain, its major parts, and their functions. Students will take notes and ask questions.	Day 3: Brain Disorders Overview - Group research activity where students are divided into small groups, each focusing on a specific brain disorder. Groups will begin researching causes, symptoms, and societal implications.	Day 4: Research and Analysis - Continue group research on brain disorders. Students will compile their findings into a preliminary draft of their case study analysis.	Day 5: Brain Health and Stigma - Class discussion on brain health, why it's important, and how mental health stigma affects society. Students will brainstorm ideas for their public awareness campaign.
Deliverables	1. Preliminary draft of the case study analysis on a specific brain disorder. 2. 3D brain model labeled with key areas and their functions.
Preparation	1. Prepare the Brain Exploration Workshop materials, including video/VR setup and clay for 3D models. 2. Create a lecture presentation on brain structure and function. 3. Organize research materials and resources for students to access information on various brain disorders. 4. Prepare discussion prompts and materials on brain health and mental health stigma.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 6: Case Study Development - Students will continue working in their groups to expand and refine their case study analysis on the brain disorder they researched. Focus will be on incorporating feedback from peers and organizing the information logically.	Day 7: Multimedia Presentation Workshop - Introduce students to tools and techniques for creating multimedia presentations. Students will begin developing a presentation that explains the role of different brain parts in influencing emotions and behaviors.	Day 8: Public Awareness Campaign Design - Students will work individually or in pairs to design elements of their public awareness campaign. Options include creating posters, videos, or social media content aimed at reducing mental health stigma.	Day 9: Peer Review and Feedback Session - Groups will present their case study analysis drafts to the class for peer review. Students will provide constructive feedback to each other, focusing on clarity, depth of research, and societal implications.	Day 10: Finalization and Rehearsal - Students will finalize their case study analyses and multimedia presentations. They will rehearse their presentations for the Mind Matters Symposium, ensuring they are ready to present confidently.
Deliverables	1. Final case study analysis on a specific brain disorder, including causes, symptoms, and societal implications. 2. Completed multimedia presentation explaining the role of different brain parts in influencing emotions and behaviors. 3. Designed elements of the public awareness campaign aimed at reducing mental health stigma.
Preparation	1. Prepare resources and guidelines for multimedia presentation tools and techniques. 2. Organize a peer review session, including criteria for feedback and structured time for each group to present. 3. Provide materials and examples for public awareness campaign design options. 4. Coordinate logistics for the Mind Matters Symposium, including arranging guest speakers and setting up the presentation space.