Lesson 2: The Amazing Human Nervous System

Summary

This lesson introduces two basic nervous system communication networks: the afferent and efferent systems. The lesson incorporates student leadership, a simple movement practice, and a progressive relaxation.

Time

17-27 minutes

Lesson Objectives

• Students will be able to identify that the brain and spinal cord are the center of the nervous system
• Students will be able to distinguish, explain, and give examples of afferent and efferent pathways of communication in the nervous system
• Students will be able to identify the central and peripheral nervous systems
• Students will explore and be able to identify their own afferent and efferent communication through basic movement practice
• Students will learn a basic movement routine for developing strength, mindfulness, and sensory awareness
• Students will participate in and experience a progressive relaxation

Key Vocabulary

The Nervous System: (noun) The group of nerve cells that sends nerve messages between parts of the body

Network: (noun) A group of interconnected things

System: (noun) A set of connected things that form a complex unit

Communication: (noun) Exchange of information

Central Nervous System: The brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System: Communication that happens in other parts of the body extending from the brain and spinal cord

Afferent: (adjective) Body to central nervous system communication

Efferent: (adjective) Central nervous system to body communication

Sensory Messages: Afferent messages received from the five senses and sent to the brain

Motor Messages: Efferent messages sent from the brain to tell the muscles in the body how to move

Brain: The organ, protected by the skull, in control of the nervous system, intelligence, and sensory information

Spinal Cord: A long, thin structure that extends from the brainstem to the lower spine. The spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system

The Five Senses: Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell

Materials

• Video projection system with internet access and speakers
• Videos:
  • Calming Chime & Hoberman Breathing sphere
  • The Amazing Human Nervous System brain science (BS) video with Mandy and Junebug
  • The Amazing Human Nervous System (FAV) follow-along movement/mindfulness practice video (FAV). Features beginning sequence with focus on afferent and efferent pathways
• Discussion Questions
• Handouts
  • • Efferent & Afferent Labeling Activity (grades 1+).
    • Efferent & Afferent Drawing Activity (grades 1+)

Directions

1. Student(s) lead Calming Chime and/or Hoberman Sphere Breathing exercise with class (2-3 mins)
2. After #1, student leader chooses two to three classmates to give compliments (1 min)
3. Play health science video: The Amazing Human Nervous System (BS) (7 mins)
4. Class practices follow-along video: The Amazing Human Nervous System (FAV) (7 mins)
5. Class reviews handouts & engages in discussion (optional – 10 mins)
6. Lesson extension (all grades): Have students create their own movement sequences from poses in the Move Mindfully card deck (optional – 10 mins)
7. 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
• In addition to being able to identify the types of nervous system communication, students will physically experience afferent and efferent communication through movement
• Students benefit from the proprioceptive input that poses provide in the form of moving the body against resistance; this provides stimulation to the muscles and joints that can be calming and organizing to the nervous system