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The rigorous curriculum at the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D Ryan MS will be implemented beginning in 6th grade magnet classes. The curriculum includes neuroscience as it relates to the uniqueness of the human brain; how the brain enables thinking; the sending of messages throughout the body; how people learn; the senses; how challenging the brain with physical and mental activities helps develop and maintain its structure and function; and how tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other toxins can harm the nervous system.

 

6^th Grade Neuroscience Course Summary

Students learn about the brain and its function during this exciting time of ground-breaking discoveries in neuroscience and psychology. The course includes hands-on brain modeling activities, dissection labs and other projects, as well as formal assessments and daily in-class assignments. The subject matter is complex, with a large amount of new vocabulary related to scientific inquiry, sleep, brain chemistry, sensory systems, neuronal communication, memory and stress management. Students learn effective problem-solving and teamwork skills that prepare them for academic and career success. Importantly, they also learn about themselves and how our brains make each of us unique. Students also learn how to expand on core concepts and use scientific and engineering practices to carry out their own research projects. Industry speakers visit classrooms. Students are expected to behave in a professional manner that models the environment of a medical school classroom.

 

Course Units: 

• Introduction and the Science of Sleep
• Memory and Learning
• Sensory Systems
• Motor Highways
• Brain Chemistry
• Brain Comparisons

 

Resources

http://www.bioedonline.org/lessons-and-more/resource-collections/neuroscience-the-learning-brain-and-brainlink/ 

http://www.bioedonline.org/lessons-and-more/lessons-by-topic/human-organism/sleep-and-circadian-rhythms/

Textbook

Brain: The Complete Mind. How it Develops, How it Works, and How to Keep it Sharp. Michael S. Sweeney, National Geographic.

 

Reference Book:

The Human Brain Book. Rita Carter, DK Publishing Company.