Experimenting with touch sensors is a simple, yet engaging way for students to discover how the nervous system relays messages. One example is to experiment with sensitivity. Using a paperclip bent into a u-shape and a partner, students close their eyes and wait to feel a gentle touch on their fingertips, palms, backs of hands or inside wrists. The goal is for students to determine whether they were touched with one "point" of the paperclip or two. After keeping a tally of how accurate they were, students can easily compare which body parts were more sensitive to touch and make inferences to explain why. Similar experiments can be done with various textured materials or different temperatures.
Students learning about the nervous system are often interested in the idea that all the cells needed for a skill exist before the neural pathways are created. Every time students practice a task, they build stronger connections between each nerve cell and become slightly closer to mastery. Students can learn a dance, complete a timed maze or use their non-dominant hand to explore how neural pathways are created and strengthened with practice. Students can also conduct simple experiments to test their reaction time, reflexes or involuntary movements.
The special cells that make up the nervous system are different from all other cells in the body. Students should have the opportunity to observe quality images of neurons and create or label images of their own. Students should also explore the different sections of the brain and what types of thoughts and messages each part controls. In addition to explicit teaching using videos or textbooks, a variety of high-interest non-fiction texts, websites and posters can be made available for students to learn independently.
Students should be taught how the body is designed to protect the nervous system -- for example, the spinal column protects the spinal cord, the skull protects the brain and the nerves produce "danger" sensations like pain. Students should also explore their own responsibilities for protecting their nervous system. Suggested safety topics include swimming and diving safety, seat belt laws, helmet regulations, fall protection and drug awareness.