Wired to Respond
Students will describe how the human nervous system and AI machine process information similarly and differently. Students will analyze data related to nervous system disease and present information on how these diseases affect humans.
Overview
Students compare how the human nervous system and artificial intelligence process sensory information. The unit opens with a PBS Nervous System Science Trek video and trivia game, a human neural network in which students act as input, hidden, and output neurons, and a drawing of a driverless car with sensors. Students rotate through sensory stations on reaction time, color, sound, and touch, plus species comparison and machine learning, then build a three-dimensional nervous system model. They research a nervous system disease with an AI chatbot and present it, and finish by creating and presenting a Teachable Machine bot connected to neural networks. Engage takes 2 days, Explore 3-4 days, Explain 2 days, and Elaborate and Evaluate 2-3 days each.
Lesson Objectives
- Describe how the nervous system in humans works.
- Describe how humans and machines process sensory information.
- Analyze data related to nervous system diseases and present information on how these diseases affect humans.
- Compare and contrast the human nervous system to artificial intelligence systems.
- Create an artificial intelligence bot and communicate this process with others.
Standards
NGSS · 4
- MS-LS1-8Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
- DCI LS1.DInformation Processing: Each sense receptor responds to different inputs transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories.
- SEP: Engaging in argument from evidence
- SEP: Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information.
CCSS Math · 4
- MP1Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- MP3Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
- MP4Model with Mathematics
- MP7Look for and make use of structure.
CCSS ELA · 12
- RST.6-8.1Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science texts.
- RST.6-8.2Determine the central ideas of a text and summarize key information.
- WHST.6-8.2Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of scientific procedures, experiments, or technical processes.
- WHST.6-8.7Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources.
- WHST.6-8.8Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively.
- 1.1.dUnderstand fundamental concepts of how technology works, demonstrate the ability to choose and use current technologies effectively and are adept at thoughtfully exploring emerging technology
- 1.3 aUse effective research strategies to find resources that support their learning needs, personal interests and creative pursuits.
- 1.3 bEvaluate the accuracy, validity, bias, origin, and relevance of digital content
- 1.4 CDevelop, test, and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process
- 1.5 cBreak problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex systems or facilitate problem solving.
- 1.6 cUse digital tools to visually communicate complex ideas to others.
- 1.7 bUSe collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.