Category: Learning Activity 1

The Nervous System

Hi, young scientist! Have you ever wondered how you feel a warm neck, move your fingers to play a game, or miss your favorite song? This is all thanks to your nervous system! This incredible system is like a super-fast messaging network in your body, sending signals to and from your brain. It helps you think, move, feel, and even react—like catching a ball or jumping when you hear a loud sound!

In this lesson, we will discover how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves work together every day. Get ready to dive into the world of neurons, reflexes, and fantastic brain power!

LEARNING OBJECTIVE Statements
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to…

  1. Identify the major components of the nervous system.
  2. Explain how the nervous system transmits signals and controls bodily functions.
  3. Understand the role of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves in movement and sensation.

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES Description
Students or Teachers will use the following materials, tools, and equipment:

  • Printable worksheets and labeled diagrams of brain, spinal cord, and neurons.
  • Digital tools for practicing learned content (i.e., kahoot, quizlet, etc.).
  • Interactive slide presentations with diagrams, labels, and animations to explain the nervous system.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE & PRE-CLASS Preparation
Students will need to know the following before beginning this lesson:

Students will need to know:

  • Basic knowledge of the human body systems.
  • Familiarity with using online platforms such as quizlet, zoom, and kahoot.

Instructional Content #1 Learning Video of the Nervous System

Overview

This youtube video gives an overview of how our nervous system works as well as provides fun facts about the brain and nervous system.

Instructions

  • Students watch youtube video in class.
  • Students take notes of concepts and terms.
  • After watching students will participate in a quizlet.
  • Once completed they will receive a grade to their quiz as well as read through feedback.

Instructional Content #2 Nervous System Slide Presentation & Quizlet

Overview

Class will follow a slide presentation from an open resources outlining the nervous system, key terms, and important concepts.

Instructions

  • Students will watch slide presentation at group pace.
  • Throughout slideshow students will take notes of any important concepts and terms.
  • After finishing slideshow students will participate in a quizlet.

Google Slides_Nervous System 

Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/711731747/nervous-system-flash-cards/

Learning Activity #1 Reflex Test

Objective

Students will gain understanding of how reflexes work by testing their reaction times.

Instructions

  • Students will pair up. One of them holds a ruler vertically in the air while the other partner gets ready to try and catch it.
  • Partner holding ruler drops it and the other student attempts to catch it as quickly as possible.
  • Students measure how far the ruler falls before it is caught.
  • Repeat test 5 times and compare results from each attempt.
  • Students will complete the following worksheet on their results from test.

Worksheet: https://micromodule339.opened.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/9229/2025/03/Reflex-Test.pdf

  • Teams answer reflection questions:
    • How fast did you catch the ruler?
    • How does this test demonstrate how the nervous system affects reaction times?
    • Why do you think your reflexes helped?