General Information

Lab 5 familiarizes students with the structures and functions of the nervous system by examining models and carrying out activities.

This lab emphasizes:

• Brain anatomy
• Structure and function of the eye
• Mechanoreceptors in the skin

Purchasing Information

Required materials for Lab 5 include:

• A human brain model that shows external features and comes apart to show internal structures
  • The ideal brain model is close to life-size and comes with a key.
  • Available on Amazon and other educational materials sites.
• A Plastimount sheep brain or sheep brain model (life-size)
• A Comparative Brains Specimen Mount Plastimount (for fun)
  • Can be found on the following website: Comparative Brains Specimen Mount Plastomount (Nebraska Scientific, n.d.)
• Slide of a cross-section of a mammalian spinal cord
• Model of the human eye
  • The ideal model is large enough for several students to examine at the same time.
  • Look for a model that comes apart, so students can look at the internal structures easily (it helps if it comes with a key).
• Printouts for Lab 5 (in Lab 5 Printables section in the back matter).
  • In the back matter of this instructor guide
  • Laminating is recommended so they hold up to students handling them.
• Flexible measuring tape (like for sewing) — 1 tape for every 4 students
• Forceps (or blunt scissors/tweezers) — 1 for every 4 students
• Small clear rulers (6 inches) — 1 for every 4 students
• Coins — 1 for every student
  • E.g., pennies, nickels, or anything else metal that is roughly the same size and weight

Lab Setup

Lab Activity Setup

Time: Approx. 1 hour

This lab is typically set up buffet-style, where students move around the room and complete activities. The benefit of this setup is that students can start with any activity and then return to activities they missed; because of this, students do not end up all bunched up at one station.

Board Notes

Setup Photos

Figure 5.1: Lab 5 Activity 1 Setup (Credit: Christine Miller) CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Figure 5.2: Lab 5 Activity 2 Setup Part 1 (Credit: Christine Miller) CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Figure 5.3: Lab 5 Activity 2 Setup Part 2 (Credit: Christine Miller) CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Figure 5.4: Lab 5 Activity 2 Setup Part 3 (Credit: Christine Miller) CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Figure 5.5: Lab 5 Activity 3 Setup (Credit: Christine Miller) CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license

Media Attributions

• Figures 5.1 to 5.5, by the author, are under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.

References

Nebraska Scientific. (n.d.). Comparative brains specimen mount plastomount. https://www.nebraskascientific.com/plastomounts-dissection-specimens/3970-comparative-brains-specimen-mount-plastomount.html.