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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Monkey brains

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=32

A lesson plan for grades 8–11 Science and Social Studies

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science


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In this Science Update, students explore evidence to suggest that humans, like monkeys, continue to add brain power as we grow older. While studying the brain function and growth of monkeys, Psychologist Charles Gross from Princeton University found that new nerve growing in the cerebral cortex. This discovery provides hope for possible treatments of brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimers. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in discussion about how this finding relates to previous theories about the brain and how scientific research can alter commonly-held beliefs. This activity also contains a link to more information on the structure and development of the brain from Neuroscience for Kids.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
      • explain observations.
      • make inferences and predictions.
      • develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
    • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
      • Communicate findings.
      • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
      • Describe strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and/or data.
    • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
      • Research.
      • Gather and analyze data.
      • Visualize data.
      • Disseminate findings to others.
    • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
      • Scientific text.
      • Articles.
      • Events in the popular press.
  • Goal 6: The learner will conduct investigations, use models, simulations, and appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of cell theory.
    • Objective 6.01: Describe cell theory:
      • All living things are composed of cells.
      • Cells provide structure and carry on major functions to sustain life.
      • Some organisms are single cell; other organisms, including humans, are multi-cellular.
      • Cell function is similar in all living things.

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 11–12 — Advanced Placement Psychology

  • Goal 3: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of the biological bases of behavior.
    • Objective 3.03: Review the structure and function of the brain.
    • Objective 3.04: Differentiate among technologies and clinical methods for studying the brain.
    • Objective 3.05: Compare and contrast the specialized functions of the hemispheres of the brain.

Grade 11–12 — Psychology

  • Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of the biological bases of behavior.
    • Objective 2.03: Describe the structure and functions of the brain.
    • Objective 2.04: Differentiate among the technologies and clinical methods for studying the brain.