8th Grade Health: Neuro-Science

BRAIN TRAFFIC

Mapping the Neural Circuits that Control Everything You Do

Reflexes

Memory

Decision Making

System Diagnostic

Quick Write

What is the difference between pulling your hand away from a fire and deciding what to eat for lunch?

Think about: Speed, thought process, and who (or what) is in control.

5 Minutes: Write your response in your journal.

How the Brain Works

We are going to watch a short clip exploring the Input-Output model of the nervous system.

Input

Sensory information from the environment.

Process

The brain deciding how to respond.

Output

The motor response (the action).

Ready for Pause Points?

Pause Point 1

At 0:17 - Soccer Scene

Breaking Down Action

In the soccer example, what was the:

Input: Seeing the ball, teammates, and goal.
Processing: Deciding where to kick or run.
Output: Moving legs to kick or sprint.

"What about touching a hot stove? Or hearing a fire alarm? Identify the I-P-O for those."

Pause Point 2

At 0:43 - Functions List

The Processor's List

The video lists these as functions controlled by your circuits:

Reflexes

Memory

Decision Making

Perception

Think Fast:

Which of these functions is happening right now as you sit in this chair?

Hint: Are you remembering the soccer slide? Are you perceiving my voice?

Pause Point 3

At 1:25 - Signal Path

The Lego Challenge

Step 1

Sensory

Ouch! Pain signal.

Step 2

Interneuron

Processing the pain.

Step 3

Motor

Lift the foot!

"Why is there a middle-man (Interneuron)? Why not go straight from pain to muscle?"

Activity

Circuit Breakers

1

Choose a Scenario Card with your group.

2

Map the Brain Traffic: Is it High/Low sensory input? Memory? Reflex?

3

Create a Visual Poster of the neural circuit in action.

Groups of 3-4

1 Researcher (Video Context)

1 Visual Lead (Poster Design)

1 Scribe (The Descriptions)

Submission

Poster Specs

The Input

Show what sensory information is entering the system. Labels required!

The Circuit

Trace the path. Does it go to the Brain? Spinal Cord only? Use arrows to show the signal flow.

The Response

What is the output? Show the motor neurons activating the body parts.

Make it Visual! Use color coding!

Exit Ticket

"Which activity requires the most complex neural circuit and why?"

Full Sentences

Use Vocab

Brain Traffic Slides

Brain Traffic Slides