Ms. Dritz
AP Psych
1
THE BRAIN BOOK PROJECT
Due: Tuesday, Oct.16th at the start of the period. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED!!!
Goal: Write and illustrate an original book about the structures and functions of the human brain, which is easy enough for a
third grader to understand.
Specifications:
The book should be at least 10 pages long and include both text and illustrations on each page. The book must show and
describe the main functions of the following areas of the brain. You must also give one or more examples of the type of
thought, emotion, or behavior for which each structure or area is responsible. You may do this with one other person, no more
than two people.
Chapter 1: Brain Stem
1. Medulla
2. Pons
3. Reticular Formation
4. Cerebellum
5. Thalamus
Chapter 2: Limbic System
1. Hippocampus
2. Amygdala
3. Hypothalamus
4. Pituitary Gland
5. Corpus Callosum
Chapter 3: Cerebral Cortex
1. Frontal Lobe
2. Parietal Lobe
3. Occipital Lobe
4. Temporal Lobe
5. Sensory Cortex
6. Motor Cortex
Chapter 4: Association Areas
1. Broca’s Area
2. Wernicke’s Area
Chapter 5: Endocrine System (Extra Credit if Done Alone, MANDATORY if you do this with a partner)
1. Pituitary Gland
2. Thyroid Gland
3. Adrenal Gland
4. Pineal Gland
5. Pancreas
6. Sex Glands
You must explain the Chapter headings as well as the content within each chapter. Think Term, Define, Apply, but in a creative,
easy to understand way. Keep the explanations and examples simple enough that a smart 3rd grader would understand them
and be able to explain them to a friend after reading your book. Descriptions and examples must be in your own words. Feel
free to explain what would happen if structures get damaged as well. You may not copy from books, the internet, or each other.
Illustrations should show not only the structure, but location in the brain. They must be original and may be created in any
medium and style you like. For examples, you may use pen, paint, collage, photographs you take, etc. You may not photocopy
from books or print out images from the internet.
Text may be hand written or word-processed, but it must look professional and be readable.
Scoring:
Your grade will be based not only on the completion of each chapter/structure, but on the accuracy and creativity as well. Not
to mention following directions.
Illustrations/Locations
Descriptions
Examples
Originality & Creativity
Total
_______________40 points
_______________40 points
_______________40 points
_______________30 points
______________150 points
Some useful links to use in addition to your books:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/3d/
http://www.stjude.org/Flash/basic_neuro-0405-v2.swf
3d Interactive Brain Model
Interactive Brain
Ms. Dritz
AP Psych
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/introb.html#bb
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/colorbook.html
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/brain.html
2
Brain Basics
Coloring book Style Images
Nice Kids Brain Site (en Espanol tambien)