Objectives
An interdisciplinary unit will be developed focusing on linking science, math, and language arts. Students will discover the structures of the brain, complete research on the brain, and create a Power Point presentation explaining their discoveries in science class. Developing the ability to read and interpret graphs will be taught during math class with activities presented for further investigation. Also, the concept of number sense will be discussed as they try to comprehend the number one hundred billion. Reading a combination of fiction and non-fiction books will enable students to compare and contrast information. Journaling will give the students a voice to reflect on their learning and develop questions for further investigation. The unit will be developed around three major topics. The first topic is the brain structure. Through a combination of direct instruction and inquiry-based learning, my students will research the anatomy of the brain. Students will be able to distinguish between the right and left hemispheres. Students will be able to examine the location and responsibilities of the four lobes: frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal. Students will be able to identify the parts of the mid-brain and their functions. Students will be able to recognize the brain stem and comprehend its importance.
The next topic will involve investigating how the brain works. Students will be able to recognize that a neuron is comprised of a cell body, an axon, dendrites, and synapses. Students will be able to differentiate between the axon, dendrite, and synapse. Students will be able to recognize that neurons are nerve cells that send messages back and forth to the brain. Students will distinguish between axons that carry signals away from the cell body and dendrites that carry signals toward the cell body. Students will develop an understanding that learning occurs when connections between neurons are formed.
The final topic we will include will connect learning to the regions of the brain. Students will ascertain their learning style though completing a variety of learning inventories. Students will be able to link the various regions of the brain responsible for vision, hearing and other tasks to literacy and their personal learning style. They will discover ways to capitalize on this knowledge as well as ways they can further develop the other learning styles to enhance and round out their learning. Through working with learning contracts that offer choices of activities, students will take ownership of their learning.
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