P1. Background Material 

Nervous systems perform the three overlapping functions of sensory input, integration, and motor output.

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. By definition, the spinal cord is a vital expressway for signals between the peripheral nervous system and the brain. The spinal chord threads itself through a canal formed by bones of the vertebral column.

The brain is also the center for controlling some reflexes. However, sensory and motor neurons belong to the peripheral nervous system, it is made up of the communication lines that thread through the rest of the body and carry signals into and out of the central nervous system.

A reflex pathway is a simple movement of a sensory neuron to stimulate a muscle to contract. Therefore, no other neurons alter the flow of signals from reception of the stimulus to the response. This process happens very quickly, but slows with age and other factors. Nerves lead into and out from the spinal cord or brain and connect it with other body regions.

In each nerve, bundled together axons of sensory neurons, motor neurons, or both serve as the pathway that transmits information flow. The axon is the part of a neuron that transfers the appropriate message, information on potential, to another nerve, muscle, or gland. When a message from the brain is sent down the spinal cord to a peripheral nerve and finally to its destination, a quick relay process is used to deliver the message. The message is sent through the appropriate nerves by passing the information from neuron to neuron. When the first neuron receives the message, it immediately passes the information to the next neuron line.

Neurons conduct electrical signals directly to and from specific targets. The nervous system includes two main types of cells: neurons which actually conduct messages; supporting cells which provide structural reinforcement as well as protect, insulate and assist the neuron.

Propagation of signals up and sown the spinal cord occurs in major nerve tracts, which are bundles of sheathed axons. The glistening myelin sheaths of these axons give the tracts the name white matter.

The gray matter consists of dendrites, cell bodies of neurons, as well as neurological cells.

The autonomic system is part of the peripheral nervous system. It regulates functions such as breathing, and does not use the brain. It helps maintain stability inside the body.

The time which information takes to be sent to the brain by sensory receptors, processed by the brain, and to have the appropriate return message processed is commonly referred to as a person's reaction time.

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P2. Expectancy:

• Acquires and integrates major concepts and themes form Life, Physical and Earth/Space Sciences.

  Indicators

• Cites examples of how structures of organisms and movement are related.
• Identifies structures and functions of animal cells.
• Explains the processes by which cells exchange substances with their environment

  Objectives

• Demonstrate the relationship between a stimulus and a response.Describe the function of the nervous system
• Diagram the basic structure of a neuron.
• Explain how impulses travel along nerves.
• Explain how the cerebrum and cerebellum work together during complex activities.
• Compare and contrast the roles of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• Trace the pathway of reflex.

  Motivational Activities

• Students will be given the challenge of catching a falling dollar bill through their fingers.
• Students will complete the first two columns on the K-W-L. chart. (What I know, What I want to know, and what I learned about the central nervous system)
• Students can read "The Nervous System: Master Control" on pages 240 &endash 243, "The Parts of Your Nervous System" on pages 244 &endash 255, and "Your Endocrine System" on pages 256 &endash 261 in Science Interactions Course II.

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  P3. Lab Activities

• Students can complete Reaction Time Labs on caffeine and exercise.
• Students can complete the Science Interaction Course 2 lab activities in chapter 8.
  1. MSPAP Activity
     
  2. Video Microscope
     
  3. Internet Resources

• P4. Assessment

1. Students will draw, label and tell their function: the central nervous system, neuron, cell body, axon, and dendrite
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2. Students will collect newspaper and magazine articles related to the nervous system. Students will write school newspaper articles summarizing recent research on the nervous system.
   
3. Students will answer the following questions:
   • How do neurons help you to response to changes in your environment?
   • When you tie your shoe, how are the different parts of your nervous system involved?
   • How are reflexes important for your survival?
   • Describe the functions of the nervous system and how it interacts with
   • other systems.