Pokémon and the Human Brain - Videos + Extension Activities

How does Meganium's sweet smell calm its foes? Why does Haunter cause seizures when he licks people? And why would looking at Polywhirl's belly make you sleepy? The answers to all these questions (and more!) can be found in our exploration of the human brain.

In this course, we'll study the basic anatomy and functions of the different parts of the brain. We will focus primarily on how the behavior and abilities of certain Pokemon can be explained with basic neuroscience.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has four parts to it. Parts 1-3 consist of a video presentation, along with some extension activities to expand the students’ understanding. Part 4 is “DIY Pokemon” project designed to explore more birds beyond the scope of Pokemon.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE OUTLINE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Part 1: (40 minute recorded presentation plus extension activities)

• The anatomy and functioning of neurons.
• The effects of Pokemon-related toxins and drugs on neuron functioning.
• Left Hemisphere and Right Hemisphere: facts and myths.
• The six main parts of the brain and their individual functions.
• How Pokemon are related to the brain's processing of pain.

Part 2: (50 minute recorded presentation plus extension activities)

• The Frontal Lobe and its involvement in:
  • Emotions
  • Hypnosis
  • Smell
  • Speech
• The Temporal Lobe and its involvement in:
  • Memory
  • Understanding speech
  • Sound

Part 3: (30 minute recorded presentation plus extension activities)

• The Cerebellum and its involvement in balance and coordination.
• The Brain Stem and its involvement in sleep.
• The Parietal Lobe and its involvement in:
  • Reading and writing
  • Hallucinations
• The Occipital Lobe and its involvement in:
  • Photosensitivity
  • Illusions

Part 4: Students will design their own Pokemon that affects a specific part or function of the brain.