Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of the human body's nervous system and its functions.
Materials and Prep
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers or chalk
- Index cards
- Pencil and paper
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
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Brainstorm: Start by asking the student what they already know about the nervous system. Write down their responses on the chart paper or whiteboard.
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Introduction to the Nervous System: Explain that the nervous system is like the body's control center. It helps us think, move, and feel. Show a diagram of the nervous system and label the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
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Neuron Relay Race: Create index cards with different parts of a neuron (e.g., dendrites, cell body, axon). Scatter the cards around the room. Have the student collect the cards and put them in the correct order to form a neuron. Time the student to make it more exciting!
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Sensory Experiment: Have the student close their eyes and touch various objects with different textures (e.g., a soft pillow, a rough rock, a smooth plastic toy). After each touch, ask the student to describe how it feels. Explain that our sense of touch is possible because of our nervous system.
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Brainstorm Functions: Ask the student to brainstorm different functions of the nervous system. Write down their responses and discuss each one. Examples include controlling muscles, sending messages to the brain, and helping us sense the world around us.
Third Grade Talking Points
- "The nervous system is like the body's control center. It helps us think, move, and feel."
- "The main parts of the nervous system are the brain, spinal cord, and nerves."
- "Neurons are special cells that make up the nervous system. They send messages to help us move and feel things."
- "Our sense of touch is possible because of our nervous system. It helps us feel different textures like soft, rough, and smooth."
- "The nervous system controls our muscles, helps us sense the world around us, and sends messages to the brain."