Touch, Don't Tickle

The authors of this article start off with an excellent reason for doing these experiments on touch. “Understanding the parts and functions of the brain and the nervous system gives middle ... See More

The authors of this article start off with an excellent reason for doing these experiments on touch. “Understanding the parts and functions of the brain and the nervous system gives middle grade students the opportunity to explore and understand the many physical and behavioral changes accompanying the onset of adolescence.” The article goes on to describe in detail several experiments involving touch receptors on several parts of the body. Finally they end with letting students design their own experiments which must be teacher approved before starting. Also close attention is spent on seeing that the students’ behavior is appropriate during all experiments. A must when working with middle school students!

The Nervous System and Middle School Students

Somatosensation is an activity provided that introduces middle school students to the area of neuroscience. Other areas can be explored provided by a website. Challenge questions and answe... See More

Somatosensation is an activity provided that introduces middle school students to the area of neuroscience. Other areas can be explored provided by a website. Challenge questions and answers are provided and inquiry extensions are also included. This would be a good activity to introduce students to the nervous system.