MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF Technology
Departments of Biology &
Brain and Cognitive Science
Dissection of the Sheep Brain
Summary
This activity is a three (plus) day introduction to brain anatomy which includes a sheep brain dissection.
Within these classes we also intend to focus on the hippocampus and the role it plays in memory.
Key Concepts


The major concepts will be the major areas of the brain: cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem and limbic
system.
Benchmarks Online - Project 2061 - AAAS
* Communication between cells is required to coordinate their diverse activities. Cells may secrete
molecules that spread locally to nearby cells or that are carried in the bloodstream cells throughout the
body. Nerve cells transmit electrochemical signals that carry information much more rapidly than is
possible by diffusion or blood flow. 6C/H3*
* Some drugs mimic or block the molecules involved in communication between cells and therefore
operations of the brain and body 6C/H5** (BSL)
* The human body is a complex system, most of which are grouped into organ systems that have
specialized functions. These systems can best be understood in terms of the essential functions they
serve for the organism: deriving energy from food, protections against injury, internal coordination, and
reproductions. 6C/H6** (SFAA)
http://www.project2061.org/publications/bsl/online/bolintro.htm
Objectives
 Students will be able to identify anatomical structures in the brain
 Record function for the structure in the brain
 Demonstrate mastery by flagging specific structures
 Communicate results with respect to neurological diseases to the entire class
Materials
Sheep Brains http://www.carolina.com/product/preserved+organisms/preserved+animals+(mammals)/sheep+organs/preserved+sheep+dissection.do
Dissection Equipment
Gloves, Aprons, and Goggles
Charts of the Nervous System
Anatomical Models of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Projection Device
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MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF Technology
Departments of Biology &
Brain and Cognitive Science
Procedure
1. The Hook: Show video clip on short term memory from “Finding Nemo” –discuss amnesia with the
class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuvF113uty4&feature=PlayList&p=F9A174B24892CB44&index=0&playnext=1
2. What part of the brain regulates memories? Short introduction to limbic system with a focus on the
hippocampus.
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/kinser/Structure1.html#limbic
3.
Distribute diagrams of the brain – surface anatomy and mid-sagittal section. Label and discuss
structure and function.
Example worksheet- http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/teachin/worksheets/images/brain.gif
answers- http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/teachin/teachingguide/images/brain_words.gif
4. Perform dissection.
5. Research neurological diseases from list provided by teacher - including Huntington’s disease,
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Go to the following website for a list of neurological diseases:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/neurologicdiseases.html
6. Classroom discussion of diseases with reference to the brain structure affected.
Assessment
 Performance - students will be able to identify brain structures on diagrams and preserved brains and
describe the functions performed by these structures
 Product— completed labelled brain diagram, flagged brain structures, and completed disease chart; lab
report (lab questions)
 Alternative Assessment- Brain Hat (See resources at the end of the lesson)
Resources
Advanced sheep brain dissection lab
http://psych.hanover.edu/classes/neuropsychology/Syllabus/Labs/DISSECTION.pdf
College prep sheep brain dissection lab
Diagrams are not included in this document:
http://www.biologycorner.com/anatomy/sheepbrain/brain_dissection_guide.doc
Lab with worksheets:
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/article.asp?ai=1316&bhcd2=1248291160
Lab activity
Memory
http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson1055/worksheet_guide.pdf
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MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF Technology
Departments of Biology &
Brain and Cognitive Science
Brain hat
http://www.ellenjmchenry.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/brainhat.pdf
Internet Interactive Brain Tutorial
http://academic.scranton.edu/department/psych/sheep/framerow.html
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/brain/brshpx.htm
http://academic.uofs.edu/department/psych/sheep/ieframerow.html
http://www.utsa.edu/tsi/assign/Shpbrn/Tutorial.htm
Website devoted to Neuroscience
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html
Lessons in Neuroscience
http://outreach.mcb.harvard.edu/lessonplans_S05.htm
Videos
1. Amnesia
Finding Nemo- Dory suffers from amnesia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuvF113uty4&feature=PlayList&p=F9A174B24892CB44&index=0
&playnext=1
50 First Dates- Drew Barrymore character in the movie has severe amnesia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tib66tgbq6Y&feature=PlayList&p=F9A174B24892CB44&playnext
=1&playnext_from=PL&index=4
Clive Wearing video- a gentleman from England with severe anterograde amnesia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDNDRDJy-vo
Memento trailer (2.32 min) Main character has to deal with amnesia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzvkUkobFdg
2. Hippocampus anatomy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJLHDPTrUYk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYJ4VTqhoy8
Compiled by
Lydia Breen (lbreen@stonehamschools.net )
Susan Eason (season@melrose.mec.edu)
July 20-24, 2009
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