Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Human Body: Nervous System

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to provide a solid foundation on the fundamental concepts of the nervous system. This is essential for the development of practical skills, as it allows students to understand the functions and importance of each organ in the context of the nervous system. Additionally, understanding these concepts is crucial for connecting with the job market, especially in areas such as health, biotechnology, and neuroscience, where detailed knowledge of the nervous system is directly applied.

Main Objectives

1. Identify and describe the main organs of the nervous system, such as the brain and the bulb, detailing their specific functions.

2. Understand and explain how the nervous system works, differentiating between the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Side Objectives

1. Develop the ability to research and synthesize relevant scientific information.
2. Promote the skill of working in groups and sharing knowledge effectively.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to provide an engaging and contextualized introduction to the topic, sparking students' interest and connecting theoretical knowledge to practical applications and the job market.

Contextualization

The nervous system is the complex network of cells and fibers that transmits signals between different parts of the body. It plays a crucial role in almost every action and decision we make daily. From the sensation of heat when touching a hot cup of coffee to the coordination needed to ride a bike, the nervous system is essential for our interaction with the world around us.

Curiosities and Market Connection

 The human brain has about 86 billion neurons that communicate through synapses. Interestingly, the brain consumes approximately 20% of the body's total energy, even though it represents only about 2% of body weight. In the job market, deep knowledge of the nervous system is essential in areas such as medicine, where neurologists treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and in biotechnology, where engineers develop brain-computer interfaces to help patients with paraplegia control devices with their thoughts.

Initial Activity

 Initial Activity: Show a short video (3-5 minutes) about how the brain processes sensory and motor information. After the video, ask a provoking question: 'How do you think the brain manages to process so much information at the same time?' Encourage students to briefly discuss their ideas in pairs.

Development

Duration: (40 - 45 minutes)

The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to allow students to explore the theoretical concepts of the nervous system in a practical and collaborative manner. Through building models and conducting fixation exercises, students will solidify their understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, as well as its importance in the daily functioning of the human body. This practical approach also aims to connect academic knowledge with relevant skills for the job market, especially in health and biotechnology.

Covered Topics

1. Structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS): brain, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord.
2. Structure and function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS): cranial and spinal nerves.
3. Difference between CNS and PNS.
4. Functions of the main organs of the CNS: brain, bulb, and cerebellum.
5. Processing of sensory and motor information by the nervous system.

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the functioning of the nervous system directly impacts their daily lives. Ask how the timing and rapid communication between neurons influence simple activities, such as responding to a hot touch or coordinating movements during a sport. Encourage students to consider the complexity of these actions and the importance of a healthy nervous system for overall well-being.

Mini Challenge

Building a Neuron Model

Students will build a neuron model using simple materials, such as modeling clay, yarn, and paper. The model should include the main parts of a neuron: dendrites, cell body, axon, and synaptic terminals.

Instructions

1. Divide students into groups of 4-5.
2. Distribute materials (modeling clay, yarn, paper, etc.).
3. Explain the parts of the neuron and their functions.
4. Ask students to construct a three-dimensional model of a neuron, identifying each part and explaining its function.
5. After construction, each group should present its model to the class, highlighting the functions of each part of the neuron.

Objective: Understand the structure and function of a neuron through a practical activity that promotes collaborative learning and the application of acquired knowledge.

Duration: (25 - 30 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Describe the difference between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
2. Explain the functions of the brain, cerebellum, and bulb.
3. Draw and label a neuron, identifying its main parts.
4. Discuss how the nervous system influences a daily activity, such as riding a bike or playing a musical instrument.
5. Answer: How could the loss of function in a specific part of the nervous system affect the body?

Conclusion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to consolidate the knowledge acquired by students, ensuring that they understand the interconnection between theory and practice. Additionally, it aims to promote a deeper reflection on the practical application of knowledge about the nervous system in everyday contexts and the job market, reinforcing the relevance and applicability of the material learned.

Discussion

 Discussion: Facilitate a discussion with students about how the theory learned was applied in practice through the construction of the neuron model and in the fixation exercises. Encourage students to share their reflections on the impact of the nervous system in everyday activities and how the proper functioning of this system is crucial for health and well-being. Ask how they can see this information being applied in specific careers, such as medicine and biotechnology.

Summary

 Summary: Recap the main content covered during the lesson, including the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the specific functions of organs such as the brain, bulb, and cerebellum. Reinforce the importance of understanding the parts of a neuron and how they communicate with each other to process sensory and motor information.

Closing

 Closing: Conclude the lesson by highlighting the importance of the topic for daily life and its applications in the job market. Explain how knowledge of the nervous system is fundamental in various professions and how it can be applied to solve real problems. Thank students for their active participation and remind them of the ongoing relevance of this knowledge in their future careers.