Lesson 3: The Command Center (Brain & CNS)
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Map the functional regions of the brain and explain their role in processing information.
Which part of "me" is responsible for speech? What happens if a brain region is damaged?
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem, Frontal Lobe, Corpus Callosum, Neuroplasticity.
HS-LS1-2 (Subsystems)
Identifying main ideas in scientific narratives (e.g., the story of Phineas Gage).
Description: Students explore brain anatomy and the concept of "localization of function."
Purpose: To link physical structure to abstract behavior.
DOK 2.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in sports and the importance of helmet technology.
"We only use 10% of our brains." (Correction: We use 100%, just not all at once).
Brain "Swim Caps": Students draw and label brain regions on a silicone swim cap while wearing it to visualize 3D placement.
"The Case of the Mystery Injury": Students are given symptoms and must identify the likely damaged brain region.
Sheep brain specimens for dissection; anatomical models.