Brains & Neurons
Neuroscience For Kids is so successful that several other sites link to it as the primary source on this topic...
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Neuroscience For Kids is so successful that several other sites link to it as the primary source on this topic. Explanations for the aroma of flowers and the pain, associated with stepping on a nail, also add a note of realism for students. Students can query experts and receive a topical newsletter with their e-mail.
The Exploratorium's Memory Exhibition duplicates much of their original exhibition. It will be appealing to students because "hairdos" illustrate changes in perception (among other visual effects). The neuroscience project at Washington University has developed a special study of the olfactory system. The site is graphically appealing and utilizes some new technology tools such as email to experts, a search engine and a survey.
NASA's biology sites include NeurOn (Neurolab Online), a study of neural systems in microgravity. Students can analyze the data and e-mail questions to the more than 100 scientists who are participating. Background links are available, too.
Cold Harbor Spring Laboratory is studying the sense of smell in rats to understand its role and other nerve systems in humans. Scientists had thought that smell was relatively slow, whereas not it is is assumed fast. Good factoid...
BrainPOP is a commercial site but an especially engaging one--movies, experiments, etc. about blood, cells, hair.It is suitable for ages 6-14 but it does include sensitive topics about diseases like cancer.
Cross-sectional slides of every part of the brain has been placed online at Harvard Medical School (for advanced students). A huge collection of cross-sectional slides of the brain (more than 100 species) has been catelogued at the Brain Museum, co-sponsored by the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State, and NSF (among others). This is an exceptional online resource for school students.
The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience educators work with teachers and scientists to develop neuroscience lessons and activities for K-12 students, including the Build-A-Brain classroom activity!
Students can compare the form and functions of various marine, mammalian brains at Manatee. Quite interesting.
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Many have compared the Internet to the connections in the human brain. Looking at these sites allows students to see how much more complex and wonderful our brain really is.
