This Science Update, from Science NetLinks, focuses on one reason why puberty is such a notoriously difficult time for kids. It's a time when the world feels like it's speeding up. According to new research, part of that feeling may come from the fact that adolescents' brains are actually slowing down. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to related Science NetLink lessons and other related resources.

This exercise is designed to familiarize the student with ethology, the study of animal behavior, by observing the behavior of several different arthropods.

In this activity about the baroreceptor reflex (BR) arc (page 123 of the PDF), learners discover the importance of maintaining adequate arterial blood pressure through a role playing exercise. This activity will model how the brain processes information and sends out signals to the heart and arteries. Learners can also consider how this affects astronauts in the microgravity environment of space. The lesson guide, part of NASA's "The Brain in Space: A Teacher's Guide with Activities for Neuroscience," includes background information and evaluation strategies. Note: this activity requires 9 learners per group.

This 6-minute video lesson provides an introduction to the neuron and its anatomy. [Biology playlist: Lesson 41 of 71].

This 9-minute video lesson looks at how electrotonic and action potentials propagate down cells. [Biology playlist: Lesson 44 of 71].

This 16-minute video lesson looks at how one neuron can stimulate (or inhibit) another neuron at a chemical synapse. [Biology playlist: Lesson 46 of 71].

This 15-minute video lesson looks at the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in controlling calcium ion concentrations within the muscle cell. [Biology playlist: Lesson 49 of 71].

This 12-minute video lesson examines saltatory conduction or how neurons use both electrotonic and action potentials to have signals move quickly while not losing strength. [Biology playlist: Lesson 45 of 71].

Survey of principles underlying the structure and function of the nervous system, integrating molecular, cellular, and systems approaches. Topics: development of the nervous system and its connections, cell biology or neurons, neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission, sensory systems of the brain, the neuroendocrine system, the motor system, higher cortical functions, behavioral and cellular analyses of learning and memory. First half of an intensive two-term survey of brain and behavioral studies for first-year graduate students. Open to graduate students in other departments, with permission of instructor.

See description under subject 7.29J.

This course is designed to provide an understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease, and is intended for both the Brain and Cognitive Science major and the non-Brain and Cognitive Science major. Knowledge of how the human brain works is important for all citizens, and the lessons to be learned have enormous implications for public policy makers and educators. The course will cover the regional anatomy of the brain and provide an introduction to the cellular function of neurons, synapses and neurotransmitters. Commonly used drugs that alter brain function can be understood through a knowledge of neurotransmitters. Along similar lines, common diseases that illustrate normal brain function will be discussed. Experimental animal studies that reveal how the brain works will be reviewed. Throughout the seminar we will discuss clinical cases from Dr. Byrne's experience that illustrate brain function; in addition, articles from the scientific literature will be discussed at each class.

By dissecting a cockroach ... yes, live on stage ... TED Fellow and neuroscientist Greg Gage shows how brains receive and deliver electric impulses -- and how legs can respond. A quiz, thought provoking question, and links for further study are provided to create a lesson around the 6-minute video. Educators may use the platform to easily "Flip" or create their own lesson for use with their students of any age or level.

This laboratory utilizes two user-friendly computer programs from Neurosim (Biosoft, Cambridge, U.K.) that demonstrate various aspects of electrophysiological functions of neurons without sacrificing experimental animals. One program simulates passive conduction in a long length of axon while the second program simulates the Hodgkin-Huxley equations for the production of an action potential. While these programs allow students to try experimental manipulations that parallel those done in real electrophysiological experiments (changing ionic concentrations or voltage stimulus, effects of various drugs, etc.) it also allows them to change some of the inherent properties of neurons, such as membrane resistance and axon resistance. This enables one to see how neurons of different physical characteristics differ in their electrical behavior. This laboratory is suitable for students of varying backgrounds.

The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to understand how the nervous system allows us to learn, remember, and cope with changes in the environment. In grades 3-5, students start viewing the body as one whole system, as one whole organism. In the 6th grade and up, students should start to understand how organs and organ systems work together. For instance, the brain is part of the nervous system and works in conjunction with neurons (cells). The nervous system works with all other body systems, such as the musculoskeletal system. The activities in this lesson introduce the nervous system, both in parts and as a whole. By learning about the whole system, students will understand that the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells are at the root of all other body functions.

In this neuroscience activity, learners conduct a simulation to demonstrate how multiple incoming signals influence the action of neurons. This activity will help learners think about how brain functions are affected by the relationships between chemical messengers, receptors, and common chemicals in alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and illicit substances. This lesson guide includes background information, extension ideas, and handouts.

Considers molecular control of neural specification, formation of neuronal connections, construction of neural systems, and the contributions of experience to shaping brain structure and function. Topics include: neural induction and pattern formation, cell lineage and fate determination, neuronal migration, axon guidance, synapse formation and stabilization, activity-dependent development and critical periods, development of behavior.

Highlighting major new developments in the field, this updated edition of Discovering Psychology offers high school and college students, and teachers of psychology at all levels, an overview of historic and current theories of human behavior. Stanford University professor and author Philip Zimbardo narrates as leading researchers, practitioners, and theorists probe the mysteries of the mind and body. Based on extensive investigation and authoritative scholarship, this introductory course in psychology features demonstrations, classic experiments and simulations, current research, documentary footage, and computer animation. This series is also valuable for teachers seeking to review the subject matter. A video instructional series on introductory psychology for college and high school classrooms and adult learners; 26 half-hour video programs and coordinated books.

Designed for students without previous experience in techniques of cellular and molecular biology, this class teaches basic experimental techniques in cellular and molecular neurobiology. Experimental approaches covered include tissue culture of neuronal cell lines, dissection and culture of brain cells, DNA manipulation, synaptic protein analysis, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent microscopy.

In this activity, learners dissect a piece of pizza to learn about nutrients important for health. This activity emphasizes the nutrients that the brain and nervous system need from food as well as the importance of eating breakfast and appropriate serving sizes. This activity also includes an optional demonstration related to serving sizes and the Food Pyramid. This lesson guide includes background information, extensions, and handouts.