Mapping the Homunculus

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In this activity, learners will explore how the human brain interprets environmental stimuli. Learners use two point discrimination on the skin to determine the relative number of nerve endings located in the skin. By calculating the reciprocal of these measurements, learners will have the appropriate data for predicting the relative size and drawing the homunculus found on the cerebral cortex. Comparisons can be made among the homunculi of other mammals. This lesson plan includes background information, focus questions, and guide for learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Any items with which to produce two fine points of touch (tooth picks, large paper clip bent into a horseshoe shape, straight pins, student compass, calipers)
  • Graph paper
  • Metric rulers
  • Alcohol or other disinfectant

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Evolution
      • History of Life
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
      • Muscles and Skin
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Touch
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Animals

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Walker, Peggy

Rights: