Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

The nervous system is a fascinating part of our biology that allows us to interact and respond to the stimuli of the world around us. It is composed of a complex network of nerves and specialized cells, known as neurons, that work together to transmit and process information.

The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, composed of all other nerves in the body. Together, these systems control everything from our voluntary movements, such as raising an arm, to involuntary functions, such as the beating of the heart.

Furthermore, psychoactive substances have the ability to alter the functioning of this system, impacting perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior, making it a very important topic for health and well-being, especially in adolescence.

Contextualization

Understanding how the nervous system works is essential to understanding how humans function. From picking up a pencil to solving a complex math problem, everything is coordinated by this incredible system. Understanding the functioning of the nervous system can help us better understand ourselves and others, make more informed decisions about our health and well-being, and appreciate the complexity and beauty of the human body.

Moreover, in an era where neurological and mental illnesses are becoming increasingly prevalent, knowledge of the nervous system is crucial. Understanding how psychoactive substances affect this system can be a first step in preventing drug misuse and promoting a healthy life.

Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring the Nervous System - Modeling and Impact of Psychoactive Substances"

Project Objective

This activity aims to help students understand the nervous system in a practical and didactic way, through the creation of a three-dimensional model of the nervous system and a presentation on the effects of psychoactive substances on it.

Detailed Project Description

Students, in groups of 3 to 5, will research the nervous system, learn about its parts and functions, and based on this knowledge, they will build a three-dimensional representation of the nervous system using recyclable and artistic materials. After building the model, students will prepare a presentation explaining how psychoactive substances can affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Required Materials

• Recyclable materials (cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, newspapers, etc.)
• Artistic materials (paint, brushes, glue, colored paper, etc.)
• Computer with internet access for research
• A4 paper sheets
• Pens and colored pencils

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students.

2. Start researching the nervous system, its parts and functions, and the effects of psychoactive substances. The resources presented in the contextualization section can be a good starting point.

3. After the research, students should sketch the three-dimensional model they intend to build.

4. Collect the necessary recyclable and artistic materials for building the model.

5. Build the three-dimensional model of the nervous system, according to the sketch made.

6. Prepare the presentation, explaining the parts of the model and how psychoactive substances affect the nervous system.

7. Present the work to the class.

8. Write the written document, according to the guidelines presented below.

Project Deliverables and Connection with Activities

In addition to the model and presentation, students must produce a written document, which should contain:

1. Introduction: Here, students should contextualize the theme of the work, presenting the nervous system, its importance, and why the study of psychoactive substances is relevant. This part should be directly related to the discussions held during the research and model construction.

2. Development: In this section, students should present the theory of the nervous system, explain in detail its parts and functions, and explain the impacts of psychoactive substances. Additionally, they should describe the methodology used in building the model, the justification for the choice of materials, and the construction process. The results obtained, such as the model and the presentation, should be discussed, and the reflective learning experience should be shared.

3. Conclusion: Here, students should summarize the main points of the work, present the learnings obtained, the difficulties encountered, and the conclusions about the project and the topic addressed.

4. Bibliography: Students should indicate the sources they relied on for the work, such as books, web pages, videos, etc. It is important that the sources are reliable and that the citation is done correctly.

It is expected that this activity will last from two to four hours per student to be executed, with a deadline of one week from the launch of the activity.