Contextualization
The nervous system is one of the most complex and fascinating structures in our body. It is responsible for coordinating all bodily activities and functions, from the beating of our heart to the processing of visual stimuli that allow us to read texts like this one. Its importance is such that without a properly functioning nervous system, our body would struggle to survive.
Our nervous system is divided into two main components: the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is composed of the nerves and ganglia found outside the brain and spinal cord. These two parts work together to process information and provide appropriate responses to stimuli.
The functioning of the nervous system is a fascinating but also complex subject. It involves an intricate network of neurons - specialized cells that transmit electrical signals, as well as chemical components known as neurotransmitters, which facilitate the transmission of signals between neurons. The study of the nervous system paves the way for understanding a variety of issues, from sleep disorders to more severe conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Understanding the nervous system is not just an abstract and interesting concept, but it has practical applications that can improve people's quality of life. It has a huge impact on medicine, especially in neuroscience, which seeks to understand and treat diseases that affect the nervous system. Additionally, the principles of the nervous system are applied in other areas, such as engineering, where they are used to develop robots and prosthetics that simulate the behavior of the human nervous system.
We have numerous resources for you to research and understand more about the nervous system. Here are some suggestions:
- Fiocruz - The Nervous System
- Mundo Educação - Nervous System
- Portal Educação - Nervous System
- Neuroanatomy
- Book: "Principles of Neuroscience" by Eric R. Kandel and James H. Schwartz.
Practical Activity - Connecting the Neurons
Objective:
The objective of this project is to develop an interactive and three-dimensional model of the nervous system using recyclable and/or everyday materials. The model should represent both parts of the nervous system (CNS and PNS) and explain how communication happens between them.
Detailed Project Description:
This is a group project for 3-5 students over the course of one week. Each member will be responsible for researching, understanding, and explaining a part of the nervous system and how it contributes to the functioning of the human body.
The students will research and understand the functioning of the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System and build a three-dimensional model that explains how communication happens. They will also need to write a document reporting the project details in the format of a report.
Necessary Materials:
├─ Cardboard or any other rigid material for the model base ├─ Colored paper, markers, colored pencils ├─ Modeling clay ├─ Scissors ├─ Glue ├─ Computer with internet access for research ├─ Camera/phone camera to document the process ├─ Various recyclable materials (caps, toilet paper rolls, sticks, etc.)
Step by Step:
-
Divide the tasks among the group members. Each member will be responsible for researching, understanding, and explaining a part of the nervous system.
-
Start researching the nervous system. Each member should research their designated part. We recommend using the bibliography provided in the introduction.
-
After the research, gather to discuss and share what was learned. From this discussion, start planning how to incorporate this information into the model.
-
Start building the model. Each member should build their designated part using the provided materials. Be creative! Use colors to represent different parts of the nervous system.
-
Upon completion of the construction, combine all parts to form a complete model of the nervous system. Make sure to include labels to indicate the different parts.
-
With the model complete, each member should explain their part and how it integrates into the nervous system as a whole.
-
Finally, photograph the finished model and prepare for the report writing.
Final Report
The students should prepare a report based on the model they built, following this structure:
1. Introduction: Should contextualize the topic, the relevance of the nervous system, real-world applications, and the objective of this project.
2. Development: Should explain the theory behind the nervous system, detail the activity performed, the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.
3. Conclusion: Should revisit the main points discussed, the lessons learned, and the conclusions drawn about the project.
4. Bibliography: Should indicate the sources used in the research process for the project.
Remember, the final project submission will include the nervous system model and the written report!
