Active learning ideas
The nervous system is the command centre of the human body, and this topic explores its intricate architecture. Students study the Central Nervous System (CNS), comprising the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which connects the CNS to the rest of the body. A key focus is the brain's geography, including the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, and how specific regions like the cerebral cortex manage complex functions like language and reasoning.
Activity 01
Groups are given a large outline of a brain and a set of 'function cards' (e.g., 'Vision', 'Balance', 'Speech'). They must research and stick the cards on the correct lobes and explain to the class what would happen if that specific area was damaged.
What are the major divisions of the nervous system?
Activity 02
The teacher describes a high-stress scenario (e.g., seeing a snake). Students must quickly list the physical changes they would feel (heart rate, sweating) and then categorise them under the Sympathetic or Parasympathetic nervous system.
How does the brain regulate human behaviour?
Activity 03
Set up stations showing images and descriptions of EEG, MRI, and CT scans. Students move in groups to identify which technique is best for seeing brain 'structure' versus brain 'activity' and record their findings.
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
We only use 10% of our brains.
Brain imaging shows that we use virtually every part of the brain, and most of it is active almost all the time. Using a gallery walk of MRI scans helps students see that even simple tasks involve widespread brain activity.
Some people are 'left-brained' and others are 'right-brained'.
While some functions are lateralised, the two hemispheres communicate constantly through the corpus callosum. Discussion of 'split-brain' studies helps students understand that the brain works as a unified whole.
Methods used in this brief
Evolutionary Perspective and Biological Basis
Introduces the evolutionary perspective on human behaviour and the basic building blocks of the biological system. Students study the structure and function of neurons.
8 methodologies
The Endocrine System and Heredity
Explores the role of hormones secreted by the endocrine glands in regulating behaviour. It also covers the principles of heredity and genetics.
8 methodologies
Socialisation and Acculturation
Analyzes the cultural basis of behaviour, focusing on the processes of socialisation and acculturation. Students learn how society and culture shape individual identity.
8 methodologies