As part of a unit on the chemistry of the brain, thinkers learn how chemicals work to transmit messages between individual neurons and how controlled substances impact the synaptic cleft. They do so by playing a dice-and-card game in...

Break your class in to the general structure and function of the brain. Brainiacs discuss what they know about it and create personalized brain development timelines. They also take a true-false, pre-assessment quiz to get them thinking...

With a couple of neat diagrams on student handouts, your life science or health class will examine the contents and serving sizes of healthy foods. They dissect a slice of pizza and scrutinize the nutritional value of its components in...

Human body systems students play a card game, "Locks & Keys" in order to learn that neurotransmitters carry a message from one neuron to another by fitting into a receptor site on the receiving nerve cell. While this activity can...

If you have implemented this fabulous brain chemistry unit in its entirety, you should have saved the pre-assessment quizzes from day one. For this assignment, individual learners go back over their original answers, and correct any...

Using a simple circuit with the battery representing the brain, future physiologists test to see which solutions conduct electrical "nerve impulses." Enlighten learners with plentiful information on electric signals in the nervous system...

Animal reproduction in sheep and cattle is explored with the help of Punnet squares. Scholars employ tools using probability to conclude the color of wool a sheep's offspring will have. Acting as animal geneticists, pupils then take...

Students examine the hierarchical organization of the brain, neuron, and synapse; explain the sequence of events involved in communication at the synapse; and that synaptic transmission involves neurotransmitters.

The Environmental Protection Agency monitors sensors to track air pollution and set clean air standards. Enthusiastic young scientists use similar sensors to gather data in their area and then apply the gas laws and conservation of...

This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...

In cooperative groups, middle schoolers contemplate the probability of 18 different situations occurring. After they make predictions, they compare them to the actual risk factors. This eye-opening exercise demonstrates that the odds of...

Students examine that certain drugs interfere selectively with neurotransmission, and realize that the effect of a drug is dependent upon dosage and route of administration.

Students explore the causes and effects of marijuana addiction and research how THC affects different areas of the brain. They synthesize their knowledge by creating print advertisements that inform teenagers about the physiologic danger...

As a more personal part of a unit on brain chemistry, your class discusses stressful situations and the body's response to them. They talk about how, while the reactions are initially helpful, some can be harmful to your health. Finally,...

Students investigate the effects of temperature change on phase changes. They explore the effects of changes in freezing point and incorporate the law of conservation of energy. They utilize these concepts to make ice cream.

Your class won't get on your nerves while doing this modeling activity! After teaching the structure and function of a neuron using the included diagrams, give individuals some clay and chenille stems so that they can make their own...

Students examine the effects of cocaine and heroin and withdrawal symptoms.  In this drug  activity students participate in an activity that illustrates cocaine's actions. 

Students observe a teacher demonstration o classifying matter by its physical properties of shape and size. After discussing the definition of matter, students describe the state of matter. They sing a song to the tune of "Bingo." In...

Students study the genetic disorder Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) by viewing the film "Lorenzo's Oil". They complete a summary of the movie and answer questions while viewing the movie. Extensions activities also included.

Students observe a demonstration on how we see space between water molecules.  In this experimental lesson students discover what elements make up the things around them and discuss what they learned. 

Young scholars explore the five stages of sleep. They view video footage of sleep labs and discuss the findings. Students conduct experiments by keeping a sleep journal to track their sleep and dream activity. They find examples of...

Students observe an experiment using common household chemicals to simulate a volcanic eruption. In small cups, they follow the teacher's instructions to make their own volcanoes. After watching a Brain-pop video, students complete...

Students observe a basic chemical reaction as vinegar is mixed with skim milk and microwaved. First, they listen to the teacher read, "Little Miss Muffet," and discover the meaning of curds and whey. While the experiment have an...

Students understand that all species have some capacity for communication. Students are exposed to the fact that all species have a capacity for communication. They are enlighten to the fact that communication abilities range from very...