An Introduction to the Virtual Neuroscience Lab Series

Introduction to Me Darci 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 Labs 2

History of The MIND Project  The Vision: Design virtual online laboratories Bringing cutting edge science & research into the high school classroom Provide realistic simulation science experiences NIH grant: SEPA 3

Virtual Neurotransmitter Lab: Cocaine Study A look at the role of dopamine in the brain through current research.

 Introductory Video 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 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 StudyVirtual 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: Stroke Introduction 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 & O2 Heart cells die; part of heart can’t pump Brain 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