Overview: A webquest is rather like an on-line scavenger hunt, or a problem-solving adventure. It is inquiry- based learning combined with techno-literacy/proficiency and geared toward specific educational intentions. Quests may be subject specific, or subject integrated inquires. They can be used in a number of ways and may take on many forms - literature reviews, research, personal or directed investigations, problem-solving exercises, fact and/or information finding expeditions. Quests can be arranged so that they are tightly controlled by the teacher whereby students are provided with specific previewed links. Or, quests can be more loosely arranged so that learners have to glean information from an array of on-line resources, or from sources found by the learners through personal investigations. They can also be simple scenario problems posted on-line.

Grouping configurations can vary so that students can be assigned to work singly, as pairs, triads, or in small or even in larger groups where each member works on a chosen or assigned task. Or, students may be allowed to choose their own working configurations. There are some excellent examples and collections of webquest learning available. If you choose to use these resources, please remember to give credit to the original sources. Links to more information and resources.  

Surprisingly many of us know very little about our brains and how they work. So, I created this exploratory experience to help you investigate specific structures of the human brain and to get to know their functions better. In completing this quest you may even find sites you can use with kids or students. Many of the sites found in this exercise could be used with kids 9-10 and above.

Take a peek at the Things to explore page and pick at least 4 things links that tickle your fancy (Multitasking is mandatory for all of you and anyone else you love or care about!!!). Is there something you might share with others? Any wonderful surprises? 

While neuroscience has gotten very sophisticated and brain physiology quite complex, we will concentrate on the following brain parts and their functions.  

A simple exploration - Know what is in your head!: After going through this exercise, looking at the terms above, can you recall what these are and where they are located? If we were in class I'd have you build the lobes of the brain with different colors of Play Dough and label the parts using paper and tooth picks. If you are sharing any of this with your kids at home or students in schools this is a fun way to reinforce knowledge.  

Major Parts - Getting to know where things are

• The Brain Atlas from the Lundbeck Institute Take a look at this great overview of the brain and central nervous system and familiarize yourself with the varied parts. What things do you already know, and what things might be new?  

• NIH and NIDA This is a nice introduction to the major parts of the brain and what they do. Explore.

• Brain Structures and Functions A good overview

• Neuroscience for Kids with an overview of the nervous system  More parts and what they do from Neuroscience for kids

Quiz time (Yep, really!) Test yourself, or better yet do it with a partner and have them test you. These are rather similar but nice ways to review.

       Neuroscience for kids #1

       Neuroscience for kids #2

        Neuroscience for Kids #3

BB ON Powerpoint

• Brain-based education w/ cartoons some facts

• Brain-based education - a review

• Five learning Systems

John Medina's Rules Rock - Go back to the  Things to explore and really get into his brain rules

• Repeat to remember - Brain bits

• Brain Rules in the Classroom - Repeat to remember Brain rule #5