An Introduction to the Virtual Neuroscience Lab

Series

Introduction to MeDarci J. Harland• 12 years high school biology/science• Ph.D in Educational Technology • MIND project role:

– Biology expert– Meet with scientists– Story board the modules– Create professional development materials– Communicate with the computer animators– Support teachers who implement our Virtual

Labs2

History of The MIND ProjectThe Vision: Design virtual online

laboratories Bringing cutting edge science &

research into the high school classroom

Provide realistic simulation science experiences

NIH grant: SEPA3

Virtual Neurotransmitter

Lab: Cocaine Study

A look at the role of dopamine in the brain through current

research.

Introductory Video Ways to implement

Use animated graphics Individual or groups Teach scientific method

& data collection Quizzes

Virtual Neuroscience Lab #1: Cocaine Addiction Lab

5

Objectives Describe the 2 stages of motivation in

behavior. Identify the location and function of

dopamine neurons in the brain. Identify the role of dopamine in behavior. Describe the possible role of dopamine in

drug addiction.

A Review of Neuronal Signaling How do neurons communicate with each

other?

Neurotransmission model

Dopamine Neurons in the Brain

Based on these diagrams, what parts of the brain does dopamine affect ? What impact does this have

on the organism?

Dopamine in the Brain Dopamine neurons terminate in the

nucleus accumbens The nucleus accumbens’ output neurons

terminate in the prefrontal cortex The prefrontal cortex contains the limbic

system, which is the center of the brain for pleasure, pain, anger, rage, panic, aggression (fight-flight-freeze responses), and basic sexual responses.

Dopamine and Cocaine Cocaine blocks the dopamine receptors on

the axons of neurons Dopamine that is released can not be

taken up The excess extracellular dopamine alters

the individual’s state of mind, resulting in a “high”

Dopamine & Behavior Log into the Virtual Neuroscience Lab #1 –

Cocaine Study Click on “Desk Area” Read Book 3, Chapter 1 and answer the

first 5 pre-lab questions in the virtual lab notebook

Pre-lab Questions (Virtual Lab Notebook)

1. What are the two phases of motivated behavior?

- Appetitive and Consummatory

2. What is known about the effects of cocaine on dopamine levels in the brain?

- Cocaine increases the levels of dopamine in the brain

Pre-lab Questions (Virtual Lab Notebook)

3. What is the hypothesis being tested in this experiment? - Dopamine levels will increase during the cocaine seeking phase of behavior.

4. If the hypothesis is true, then what should you observe?

- Dopamine levels should go up when the rat is looking for cocaine (before it gets cocaine).

5. What is the name of the method used to measure dopamine levels?

- Fast scan cyclic voltammetry

Activity Perform the cocaine study and write your

article.

Debrief Talk to a neighbor: how could you use

this? Assessments

The Virtual Stroke Lab

Virtual Neuroscience Lab #2: StrokeIntroduction Video

Student Experience: Video game feel with information given only when needed

Students can do this individually, small groups or as a demo.

Virtual Neuroscience Lab #2: Stroke (cont.)

Web-based, no special software needed

Information in EMR: facts students use to make decisions.

Professional Development: answers, implementation ideas, and standards

Objectives Describe stroke symptoms Choose primary & secondary diagnostic

tests for a specific patient. Interpret the results of a CT scan & CT

angiogram to identify the area of the bleed & structure of an aneurysm.

Perform a scientific procedure to save the life of our patient.

Introduction to Stroke (students) What happens when blood can’t get to

certain areas of the body?

Lung cells die; can’t exchange CO2 & O2Heart cells die; part of heart can’t pumpBrain cells die; brain neurons can’t send impulses

Kidney cells die; can’t remove wastes

Pulmonary embolus

Heart attack; myocardial infarction

Stroke

Renal vein thrombosis

Activity #1 Log on and complete the Virtual Stroke

Lab as a student Take your time, and enjoy the lab

Debrief Discussion Pair up with someone & discuss

General likes/dislike comments

Assessment paperwork