1. Effects of Environment and Neurochemicals on Behavior
Chandra Tracey
EDU417: Cognitive Studies Capstone
Instructor: Colleen Lindecker
June 16, 2014

2. What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that the brain uses to communicate with the rest of the body. It is how our body temp stays regulated, how our hearts know to keep beating and how we remember things.
(What are neurotransmitters, 2014)

3. A Few Kinds of Neurotransmitters:
Acetylcholine: plays an important role in memory, increases REM sleep, and can slow heart rate. Assists in operating muscles, both voluntary and involuntary.
Dopamine: plays a part in controlling motor activity, assists in focus and motivation, and also helps us to feel good as part of the brain's reward system (Spuhler & Hauri, 2014).
Serotonin: helps to create a calming effect in the brain, as well as playing vital roles in memory, sleep, appetite control, and body temp regulation.
(Wolfe, 2010)

4. Neurotransmitter Relationships:
These neurotransmitters all play a great part in memory and behavior:
ADD/ADHD and the lack of focus are caused by a lack of dopamine making it to the synapse (What are neurotransmitters, 2014)
Memory loss in Alzheimer's is caused by the degeneration of acetylcholine (Wolfe, 2010).
High amounts of serotonin are found in people suffering from depression.

5. Environmental Factors
The environment plays a large role in how our neurotransmitters function. Anything from stress to abuse (physical or drug) can cause neurotransmitters to become limited or to over-produce.
“Research...shows that brains continue to develop after birth and are shaped by relationships and experiences. It is therefore likely that very young children will be particularly susceptible to the effects of their environment” (Napier, 2013).
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6. Learning and Neuroplasticity:
Movement: consistent exercise increases oxygen to the brain, which in turn “increases capillary health and plasticity of the frontal lobes” (Wolfe, 2010).
Exercise improves learning, math and reading achievements and can possibly increase cell development (Wolfe 2010).
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7. Learning and Neuroplasticity:
Sleep: this is when neural connections become stronger.
During this time, the brain gets a break from receiving information and uses this time to consolidate, or to transfer information from short-term memory to long term (Wolfe, 2010)
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8. Learning and Neuroplasticity:
Nutrition: Healthy eating is vital for brain development and function proven by academic performance.
Overeating reduces brain tissue and development.
Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to increase hormone balance and improve the immune system (Wolfe, 2010)
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9. Learning and Neuroplasticity:
Technology: The research does not steer one way or the other on the effects of technology on the brain. Positive result have occurred as well as negative.
Small doses of developmentally appropriate technology can improve learning (Wolfe, 2010)
Some negative effects are over- stimulation, lack of attention and focus, loss of parental interaction (Napier, 2013)
Picture retrieved from steve-wheeler.blogspot.com

10. References:
Napier, C. (2014). How Use Of Screen Media Affects The Emotional Development Of Infants.. Primary Health Care, 24, Retrieved June, 2014, from the ebscohost database.
Spuhler, I., & Hauri, A. (2013). How Use Of Screen Media Affects The Emotional Development Of Infants . PLoS One, 8, Retrieved June, 2014, from the ebscohost database.
What are Neurotransmitters?. (2014). What are Neurotransmitters?. Retrieved June, 2014, from 09CE.asp
Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain Matters Translating Research Into Classroom Practice (2nd ed., ). Alexandria, Va.: ASCD, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.