TEKS & Objectives
7.12.B. identify the main functions of the systems of the human organism, including the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, excretory, reproductive, integumentary, nervous, and endocrine systems;
7.3.B use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as human body systems and plant and animal cells
We will explore how the brain processes senses.
I will test my processing of senses.
1. Watch video.
GG Brain Processing of Senses
2. Review vocabulary.
Reaction Time This is the time it takes you to process information and take action.
Nervous System This is made up of our head, spinal cord, and a network of nerves. It tells us how to act and react to things.
Nerves These send electrical signals to and from the brain.
Taste Buds These are found on our tongue and help us taste.
3. Test your reaction time, as seen in the Generation Genius video.
You can use a ruler for more accuracy.
4. Do a blind taste test.
- Wear a blindfold.
- Have a partner hand you a Jolly Rancher or similar candy with a variety of flavors.
- Guess the flavor and see if you are right.
5. Try on some animal ears.
- These look nice, but we can make some easier animal ears with foam cups.
- Cut a half moon into the top of two foam cups.
- Slide the cups over your ears, around the cut portion, to mimic animal ears.
- See how well you can hear a small ticking sound like an egg timer.
- Try larger cups and see if you can hear differently.
- Turn the cups in different directions and see if that changes how you hear sound.
- Can you turn the cups to hear better behind you?
- Think about how a cat can move its ears around. How is this similar?
6. Guess a mystery object.
- Try on that blindfold from your taste test.
- See if you can identify different shaped items using only your sense of touch.
Speaking of senses…
What do you call a bear with no ear?
B
7. “Genius Challenge – Brain Processing of Senses”
Classroom Resources
*Due to extra hands-on activities today, there will likely be no time for written work today.