How Your Nervous System Works

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Objective

I can describe how the nervous system helps the body respond to its surroundings.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Amoeba Sisters · 11:32Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Amoeba Sisters on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The nervous system has two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes all other nerves.

  2. 2

    The brain can be divided into three main regions: the hindbrain, which controls basic functions like breathing; the midbrain, which helps with alertness; and the forebrain, which handles thinking, sensing, and emotions.

  3. 3

    Neurons communicate using action potentials, which are rapid changes in electrical charge that travel down the axon and signal the release of neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

6 questions

1

Which of the following is NOT a main function of the nervous system?

2

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of which two main components?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Give one example of how your nervous system helps you respond to something in your surroundings.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

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