Contextualization

The nervous system is the complex network of nerve fibers and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which encompasses all other elements of the nervous system.

Regarding its functions, the nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating most of the body's functions, including consciousness, movements, sensations, thoughts, memory, and vital functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature.

So far, what we have learned may seem strictly theoretical, but when we contextualize this information, the relevance and impact of the nervous system in our daily lives become evident. From the simple touch of a finger to the complex thinking required to solve mathematical problems, all of this involves the nervous system coordinating and integrating sensory and motor information.

As biology students, delving into the nervous system will not only increase your appreciation for the complexity and wonder of the human body but also open up a wide range of possible careers in areas such as neuroscience, medicine, psychology, and more.

To deepen your understanding, we recommend the following reliable sources:

• Neuroscience for Kids: This site is in English but easily translatable, offering a comprehensible introduction to neuroscience.
• The Fundamentals of Neuroscience: This portal offers a solid overview of the nervous system.
• Functional Neuroanatomy: A site that presents comprehensive content on the subject.
• Book "Neuroscience: Fundamentals for Rehabilitation" by Laurie Lundy-Ekman: This book offers an overview of the nervous system and is essential reading for those interested in neuroscience.

Read, explore, and dive into the fascinating world of the nervous system. It is the key to understanding how we, as human beings, function.

Practical Activity: Nervous System in Action

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to create an interactive model of the human nervous system. Students will work in groups of 3 to 5 people to develop, assemble, and present a demonstrative model that illustrates the different parts of the nervous system and explains their respective functions.

Detailed Project Description

• Phase 1: Research and Planning The group should research the nervous system, focusing especially on the functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They should identify the main parts of the nervous system and understand their respective functions. The research work should be documented with corresponding bibliographic references for inclusion in the final project report.

• Phase 2: Model Design and Construction After the research, the group should plan and design an interactive 3D model that illustrates the parts of the nervous system. The model should be detailed and contain all the main parts of the nervous system. The group should document the entire model construction process, including the materials used and the steps taken.

• Phase 3: Presentation Upon project completion, the group should present the model to the class. They should explain the parts of the nervous system represented by the model, as well as their respective functions. The presentation should be interactive to engage the audience and clearly illustrate the functioning of the nervous system.

Necessary Materials

The materials for constructing the model depend on the creativity of the groups. Clay, playdough, cardboard, plastic, styrofoam, among other materials, can be used. Additionally, the group can use electronic materials such as LEDs, small motors, and sensors to bring more interactivity to the model.

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Decide how you will divide the work among the group members.

2. Conduct research on the nervous system. Note the most important information and organize the bibliographic references to use them later in the report.

3. Plan and design the nervous system model. Discuss ideas and decide how you will illustrate each part and function of the nervous system in the model.

4. Assemble the nervous system model according to the plan you designed. Document the process and the materials used.

5. Prepare the presentation for the class. Practice together to ensure that everyone understands and can explain the functions of the nervous system.

Project Deliverables

The final project submission will consist of two components:

1. The presentation of the nervous system model to the class.
2. A written report detailing the project, including the following elements:

• Introduction: Contextualize the topic, its relevance, and real-world application, as well as the project objective.
• Development: Explain the theory behind the nervous system. Detail the activity performed, indicating the methodology used. Present and discuss the results obtained.
• Conclusion: Conclude the work by revisiting its main points, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project.
• Bibliography: Indicate the sources that served as the basis for the project work, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The report should be clear and well-structured, demonstrating the group's understanding of the nervous system topic and the model construction process. It is important that the work of all group members is represented in the report.