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Lesson Plans
Psychology, 6th Edition ©2000
by Wade, Tavris
Weeks 5–6
Chapter 4: Neurons, Hormones, and the Brain
Performance Objectives:
- Describe how information is transmitted and integrated in the nervous system.
- Analyze how the process of neurotransmission can be modified by heredity and environment.
- Classify the major divisions and subdivisions of the nervous system.
- Differentiate the functions of the various subdivisions of the nervous system.
- Identify the structure and function of the major regions of the brain.
- Recognize that specific functions are centered in specific lobes of the cerebral cortex.
- Compare and contrast the influence on brain function between left and right hemispheres.
- Describe how the endocrine glands are linked to the nervous system.
- Explain how research and technology have provided methods to analyze brain behavior.
Resources:
- Chapter 4: Neurons, Hormones, and the Brain—pp. 98–137
- Study Guide and Practice Tests—pp. 89–123
- Instructor's Resource Manual—pp. 107–142
- Test Bank—pp. 76–99
Pacing Guide:
- The Nervous System: A Basic Blueprint—day 1
- Communication in the Nervous System—days 2 and 3
- Mapping the Brain—day 4
- A Tour Through the Brain—days 5, 6, and 7
- The Two Hemispheres of the Brain—day 8
- Two Stubborn Issues on Brain Research—day 9
- Block Scheduling
Give The Nervous System and Communication in the Nervous System one block each. Mapping the Brain and A Tour Through the Brain should be combined into two blocks. Combine The Two Hemispheres and Two Stubborn Issues on Brain Research into one block.
Key Words:
- central nervous system, p. 100
- spinal cord, p. 100
- spinal reflexes, p. 100
- peripheral nervous system, p. 101
- sensory and motor nerves, p. 101
- somatic and autonomic nervous systems, p. 101
- biofeedback, p. 101
- sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, p. 102
- neuron, p. 103
- glial cells, p. 103
- dendrites, cell body, axon, and axon terminals (parts of the neuron), p. 105
- myelin sheath, p. 105
- nerves, p. 105
- precursor cells, p. 106
- synaptic cleft, p. 106
- synapse, p. 107
- action potential, p. 107
- synaptic vesicles, p. 107
- neurotransmitter, p. 107
- receptor sites, p. 107
- blood-brain barrier, p. 109
- endorphins, p. 110
- neuromodulators, p. 110
- hormones and adrenal hormones, p. 111
- endocrine and adrenal glands, p. 111
- melatonin, p. 111
- cortisol, p. 111
- epinephrine and norepinephrine, p. 111
- sex hormones, p. 111
- EEG, p. 113
- PET scan, p. 114
- MRI, p. 114
- brain stem, p. 117
- medulla, p. 117
- pons, p. 117
- reticular activating system, p. 117
- cerebellum, p. 117
- thalamus, p. 117
- hypothalamus, p. 117
- pituitary gland, p. 118
- limbic system, p. 118
- amygdala, p. 119
- hippocampus, p. 119
- cerebrum, p. 120
- cerebral hemispheres, p. 120
- corpus callosum, p. 120
- lateralization, p. 120
- occipital lobes, p. 120
- visual cortex, p. 120
- parietal lobes, p. 120
- somatosensory cortex, p. 120
- temporal lobes, p. 120
- auditory cortex, p. 120
- Wernicke's area, p. 120
- frontal lobes, p. 121
- motor cortex, p. 121
- Broca's area, p. 121
- prefrontal cortex, p. 121
- split-brain surgery, p. 125
- hemispheric dominance, p. 127
Critical Thinking Questions:
- Is it possible to consciously control your heartbeat?
- How do learning and experience alter the brain's circuits?
- What happens when levels of brain chemicals are too low or too high?
- Why do researchers often refer to the left hemisphere as "dominant"?
- Why is the thalamus considered the "traffic officer" for incoming sensations?
- Do men talk about sports and women about feelings because their brains are different?
Troubleshooting Tips:
- This chapter is definitely information-rich. Consider adding more time covering this chapter if deemed necessary.
- If possible, obtain materials necessary to perform a sheep brain dissection. You may want to contact a biology teacher for assistance.
End-of-Chapter Activity:
Food For Thought: Diet and Neurotransmitters (student edition, pp. 133–134)