NAME_____________________________________________PERIOD____________ DATE_________________________
INTERNET RESEARCH ON THE BRAIN
PROCEDURE:
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Go to the NEUROSCIENCE FOR KIDS page at http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html
On the left hand side – click on the word “EXPLORE”
Under Brain Basics – click on “DIVSIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM”
Answer the questions below:
1. What are the two major subdivisions of the nervous system?____________________ nervous system and the
________________________ nervous system
2. What is another name for a "nerve cell"? _____________________
3. What two structures make up the central nervous system?____________________________________
4. About how much does the brain weigh?__________________
5. About how many nerve cells are in the brain? _________________
From this page click on the colored words, "BRAIN FACTS AND FIGURES." Using the data on
this page, answer the following questions:
6. What animal has the largest brain? _____________________________
7. What animal has the smallest brain?_____________________________
8. Does brain size correlate to intelligence? __________________
Go back to the page, "DIVISIONS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM." Scroll down to the
"HEAR IT" section. Play the words, AMYGDALA, CEREBELLUM, AND DIENCEPHALON. Try to say these words
yourself!!!
Continue scrolling down to the section called "BRAIN STRUCTURES"
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Where is the cerebral cortex located? ____________________________
What is a groove in the cortex called? _____________________________
What is a bump in the cortex called? ____________________________
What is one area of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning? _____________________
Label the parts of the brain pictured below:
Go back to the page "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the colored words, "OUR
DIVIDED BRAIN."
14. What are the four major lobes of the brain?
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15. What happened to Phineas Gage?___________________________________________________________________
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Go back to the page, "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the colored words, "ONE BRAIN OR TWO?"
16. Name two functions that are dominant on the left brain side of the brain.
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17. The right side of the brain?
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18. What structure connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres?__________________________________
19. What side of the brain controls language in most people?__________________________
20. List 4 famous left-handed folks
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Go back to the page, "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the colored words, "HE
BRAINS, SHE BRAINS."
21. Is the proportion of brain weight to body weight different for men and women? __________________
22. What happens to mens' brains as they age?___________________________________________________________
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Go back to the page, "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the colored words, "THE
BRAIN DURING SLEEP."
23. What instrument is used to measure brain activity?___________________________________
24. About how much of your life do you spend asleep?________________________
25. What does REM stand for?_________________________________________________________________________
Go back to the page, "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the colored words, "THE
BRAIN VS. THE COMPUTER."
26. Which sends signals faster, a brain or a computer?_____________________
Go back to the page, "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Scroll down to the bottom of the
page where it says, "THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the
colored word "ALCOHOL."
27. What kind of drug is alcohol?__________________
28. What term is given to drugs that kill brain cells?__________________
Go back to the page, "EXPLORE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Scroll down to the bottom of the
page where it says, "THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM." Click on the
colored word "CAFFEINE."
29. Which soft drink has the most caffeine per serving?__________________
30. What are two negative side effects of caffeine?__________________________________________________
When you are finished, you can try out other links on this page. You may also try some of
the brain teasers below.
Brain Games
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http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/
Eyetricks Games
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http://www.eyetricks.com/braingames.htm
Psychological Tests
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/