General
2: The human nervous system
This online synchronous meeting will take place on Date | Time. Attendance is compulsory.
Introduction
To survive, all organisms need to be able to sense changes in their environment and to control their responses to these changes. The nervous system and the endocrine system are important communication systems that co-ordinate, intergrade and carry out the activity of body cells, tissues, organs and the organism. They maintain a constant internal balance, while reacting to the changes that occur in both the external and internal environment.
The nervous system is broken down into three parts: Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
Nervous tissue consists of 3 types of neurons that have different functions: sensory, inter/connector and motor neurons.
A simple reflex arc allows organisms to react to stimuli in the environment quickly as a protective mechanism.
Two weeks are allocated on the ATP for the teaching of the human nervous system. Because the structure and function of the central nervous system and reflex arc has to be taught, it is important to use diagrams for the teaching and learning of this topic. You will also notice that we have included terminology lists as these are crucial for good performance. Please ensure that your learners do regular terminology activities and tests.
There is practical work listed in CAPS that needs to be performed to enhance teaching and learning and video clips are also included.Module overview
This module deals with the human nervous system. There is a detailed terminology list, followed by the structure and functions of certain parts of the nervous system, neurons, reflex arc and the nature and treatment of diseases affecting the nervous system.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify the different parts of the nervous system
- Identify the different structures of the brain
- Describe the functions of the different parts
- Draw and label the parts of the reflex arc
- Briefly explain the events occurring during a reflex action
- Carry out an investigation on reaction time.
Study materials
Module structureUnit 1: Responding to the environment and the coordination of activities within the body
- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- Using the activity 2.1 document below complete activity 2.1 on pages 5 - 7 of the module guide. For the experiments, choose one of your household members to participate with you. The document below contains the tables in which you are required to record your results. Save this activity document in the following format: Full name_Module 2.
Unit 2: Structure of the nervous system- Ensure that you are familiar with the structure of the nervous system, as depicted in the diagram below.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the structure of the nervous system, as depicted in the diagram below.
Unit 3: Structure of the central nervous system
- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- Using the SAME Word document, complete activity 2.2 on page 12 of your module guide.
Unit 4: The location and functions of the peripheral nervous system- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below.
Unit 5: The location and functions of the autonomic nervous system- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below.
Unit 6: The structure and functioning of a nerve- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below.
Unit 7: The structure and function of a simple reflex arc- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- Using the SAME Word document complete activity 2.3 on pages 18 - 19 of the module guide.
Unit 8: Disorders of the CNS- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- Submit your Word document using the submission tool below.
Subject methodologyEnrichment resources
Review the enrichment resources below. Can you incorporate any of these into your lesson plans on this topic? Can you find other resources which maybe offer activities?
Technology supportHave a look at the Teacher Planet website below where they provide information and activities on the nervous system. This may give you some ideas of activities that you can incorporate into the teaching of this topic.
Module summaryThe structure of the brain and reflex arc must be studied with the aid of diagrams. There is practical work listed in CAPS that needs to be performed to enhance teaching and learning.