When curiosity is sparked...

Today in neuroscience class, I introduced the students to an EV3 robotic input-output system, aiming to draw parallels between robotics and the human nervous system.

I set up the robot with three sensors—touch, ultrasonic, and light—and programmed it with four input-output triggers. If students pushed the button, the motor would move. If they placed an object within three inches of the ultrasonic sensor, the robot would "growl." The light sensor triggered a heart display when a white surface was placed over it, and "angry eyes" when a black surface was detected.

While the button and ultrasonic sensor triggers were relatively easy for students to find, the light sensor triggers posed more of a challenge, encouraging deeper exploration.

Afterward, I prompted a discussion about how this robot system is similar to the human nervous system. We compared each robot part to neuron types—sensory, interneurons, and motor neurons—and talked about the implications of mimicking life through neural networks versus the simplicity of robotic code.

This exploration set the stage for future lessons on sensory-stimulus pathways, reflexes, and reactions, helping students understand the complexity of human input-output systems compared to robotic ones.
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Check out some photos of the robot in action below!

As I dive into teaching a new Neuroscience elective (my first new course in 23 years). I’m filled with a mix of excitement and a touch of imposter syndrome. While I’ve always been fascinated by the brain, I’m learning much of this content alongside my students. It’s a journey we’re on together, and I’ve found that being upfront about my own learning process has only strengthened the connection with my students. If you’re curious about our evolving curriculum, feel free to take a peek at what we’re working on here.
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The first week of our course is all about getting hands-on with the brain—literally. We’re dissecting sheep brains to compare them to human anatomy, using Backyard Brains to explore EEGs, and experimenting with distortion goggles to understand how different brain regions interact. It’s been incredible to see students’ curiosity ignite as they analyze optical illusions and begin to grasp how this complex organ operates.

​Moving into the second week, we’re shifting our focus to nerve impulses and conditions like MS, using case studies to delve into the differences between white and grey matter. Again, Backyard Brains comes into play as we simulate action potentials and EKGs, examining the autonomic nervous system and the fight-or-flight response. It’s all about connecting back to the brainstem and hypothalamus, giving students a deeper understanding of how these systems interact.

As we progress, we’ll explore neurotransmission and the biochemistry of addiction in the third week, dive into brain-computer interfaces and prosthetics in the fourth, and wrap up with AI and neural networks in the final week. I’m especially excited to integrate Teachable Machine and ChatGPT into our discussions, helping students draw parallels between the brain and AI.

​It’s an ambitious plan, but one that’s designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of neuroscience in a way that’s both engaging and accessible.

​This lab activity takes students on a unique journey through the world of neuroscience and engineering to explore the complex nature of Parkinson's Disease. Students will simulate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease firsthand by experiencing disruptions in motor control aimed to foster empathy for those living with the condition. Integrating biochemistry, neuroscience, and engineering principles, this lesson is a powerful tool for inspiring the next generation of scientists and empathetic individuals.