Introduction to the brain (grades 4-8)

A virtual science-themed library created by neuroscientists at UNE for kids in grade k-8!

UNE's Brain Fair e-Library 

How messages move from one neuron to another

Signals, or neurotransmitters, being passed from one neuron to the next

This is a nerve impulse!&nbsp;

When a signal reaches the end of&nbsp;an&nbsp;axon, the axon releases chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse (or space between the neuron A's axon terminal and neuron B's dendrite) and the signals bind to the dendrite of&nbsp;the next neuron.

The nervous system is made of two main components

Central Nervous System is composed of the brain and spinal cord. It coordinates and influences the activity of all parts of the body.&nbsp;

The Peripheral Nervous System is made up of the nerves that run throughout the body and report to and from the Central Nervous System.

The frontal lobe plays a role in reasoning, planning, parts of speech, emotions, and problem solving.

The parietal lobe plays a role in reading, spelling, and writing. It also processes sensory information such as touch, taste, and temperature.

Though technically not a lobe of the brain, the cerebellum influences voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech.

The temporal lobe is located on the sides of the brain and is responsible for your ability to hear things. An easy way to remember this is that this area is located near your ears!

"I lobe you!"

The occipital lobe deals with vision; such as distance, depth perception, facial recognition, and memory formation.

Neuron out of Candy

Bill Nye the Science Guy - S02E14 The Brain

Check out Bill Nye the Science Guy's episode on the brain!

Welcome to the first volume of your neuroscience journey. This book, Brain Basics, will cover the most major concepts of neuroscience, such as:

The Nervous System Brain Anatomy Neuron Anatomy

Remember: Just like a neuron, you have lots of potential!

Also with some fun activities and videos!

At-Home Activity: Pipe Cleaner Neurons

Your brain and nerves are full of neurons, or nerve cells. They are specialized cells which send and receive signals through the body.

Now let's look at the different parts of a neuron!

Dendrites are where the action potentials are typically received from other neurons. They are short branched extensions of a nerve cell.

The cell body is an enclosed space of organelles (like the mighty mitochondria, and the sovereign nucleus) in the gooey cytoplasm that work together to ensure that the neuron can perform its difficult energetic function of sending action potentials.

Just like our own bodies are made of distinct parts for distinct functions (like our legs can kick and our hands can grab), the brain has four lobes for different functions.

A popular activity at UNE's annual Brain Fair is the sheep brain dissection. Here is a video of one!

Sheep Brain Dissection - Center for Science Education

UNE Neuroscience Undergrad: Anika Koopman &amp; Francesca Asmus

Check out this video to learn more about the differences between the peripheral and central nervous system.

2-Minute Neuroscience: Divisions of the Nervous System

An axon conducts electrical impulses away from the&nbsp;cell body. From the axon, other neurons can receive the electrical impulses. Some axons have a myelin sheath along the axon. Myelin helps transmit messages faster.

Axon terminals are on the nerve endings of an axon. They release neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the body's special chemical messengers that send signals throughout the body.

There are about&nbsp;100 billion neurons&nbsp;in the human brain! Check out this video to learn more!

How Many Neurons Are in the Brain?

From kicking a ball, monitoring your breathing and heart rate, to reading the words on this page, your nervous system is the key commander for all bodily processes. 

This is a must visit website for all things brain anatomy! Click <a href="http://www.brainfacts.org/3D-Brain?__hstc=177771770.a2c3897e0a83a9a600f6184afae92609.1615587769572.1615587769572.1615587769572.1&amp;__hssc=177771770.4.1615587769572&amp;__hsfp=4003255380#intro=true">here</a> for an interactive 3D tour of the human brain.

This is a real image of a neuron taken under a microscope at the University of New England. This neuron is from a fruit fly.

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