Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: The Wonder Pill: Placebo 1

Identify the physiology of how a placebo affects the brain through "ritual expectations." Perform an experiment to explore how the manner in which a ritual is presented may affect the outcome of its success.

Explore the scientific breakthroughs in understanding the genes that control the way we age. Collect your own samples of active nematodes by assembling and using a device called a Baermann Funnel, then observe the behavior of these worms.

Explore efforts to return parts of the American prairie using controlled cultivation and grazing. Compare and contrast the effects of various levels of ground shade on new seedlings.

Explore the vocabulary and vocalizations in chimpanzee communications and connect them to emotions. Develop and participate in a field study of animal behavior based on observations and interactions with dogs

Investigate biotechnology design by creating a model of a one-way valve from plastic tubing. Describe the mechanical action of the valve.

Explore scientific research saying that continued brain activity may delay or slow the loss of memory function. Investigate and practice different techniques to increase recall.

Investigate the three types of memory: sensory, short-term and long-term, and explore tricks and techniques that can improve long-term memory. Conduct five basic challenges to test, explore and improve memory skills.

Investigate the scientific principles of biospheres, and observe the effects of biological processes on closed systems.

Explore possible explanations of salmon's homing instincts. Record a path based upon olfactory cues, discriminating between and following specific scents placed at critical junctures along the designated path.

Make inferences about the structure and function of human hands. Investigate the relationship between hand actions and recorded points of contact by exploring hand grasps of a pencil and a broom handle.