Lesson 4: Nervous System Time Travel

Summary

In this lesson students will travel back in time to compare the challenges to our autonomic nervous systems, then and now. Students then practice a calming movement routine, followed by a guided relaxation.

Time

15-25 mins

Lesson Objectives

• Students will continue to explore and distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Students will compare and contrast the challenges to the autonomic nervous system in the past versus those of modern life
• Students will learn about the impact of modern life on the nervous system
• Students will practice how to elicit the relaxation response in their own bodies

Key Vocabulary

The Autonomic Nervous System: Controls the body’s organs, breathing, and other bodily functions that we don’t need to think about (heart beating, etc.)

Sympathetic Nervous System: Survival impulse (fight or flight)

Parasympathetic Nervous System: Tells our bodies to rest and digest

Response: (noun) A reaction to something

Overstimulating: Too much sensory input for the system to organize and process

Stimulation: Raise levels of sensory activity and input

Materials

• Video projection system with internet access and speakers
• Videos:
  • Calming Chime & Hoberman Breathing sphere
  • Nervous System Time Travel (BS) brain science video on human nervous system
  • Nervous System Time Travel (FAV). A follow-along classroom movement/physical activity video followed by a guided relaxation process
• Handouts
  • Drawing Activity (grades 1+)
  • Most Exciting Place in World (grades K+)
  • Most Relaxing Place in World (grades K)
• Questions and prompts for further exploration

Directions

1. Student(s) lead Calming Bell and/or Hoberman Sphere breathing exercise(s) (2 mins)
2. Play health science video, Nervous System Time Travel (BS) (5 mins)
3. Class practice with follow-along video, Nervous System Time Travel (FAV) video (8 mins)
4. Class completes handouts & engages in discussion (optional – 10 mins)
5. Lesson extension (all grades): Have students create their own movement sequences from poses in the Move Mindfully Card deck (optional – 10 mins)
6. Lesson extension (All grades): Have students create their own relaxation journey similar to those in the Mindful Moments card deck (optional – 10 mins)

Skills Developed & Other Benefits

• Continued development and improvement of skills:
  • Mindful listening
  • Sensory/self-awareness
  • Patience
  • Leadership skills
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Self-control
  • Leadership skills
  • Teamwork skills