Resources for TeachersNobel Conference 47

Master teachers from eleven Minnesota high schools have developed lesson plans specifically for the 2011 Nobel Conference on “The Brain and Being Human." The "Speaker Introduction Lesson" can be used to prepare students for viewing the conference in person or via the online streaming of video (both live and after the conference) that will be available on the Nobel Conference website.

The remaining curriculum materials focus on neuroscience and psychology content connected to the research of one or more of the speakers. Included in each lesson is a listing of the Minnesota State Science Standards addressed by the lesson. High school teachers and other educators are free to use and modify these materials to support their studies. If you have questions about the curriculum, comments, or suggested additions or modifications, feel free to post them in the comments section following the curriculum links.

This curriculum was made possible as a result of the Gustavus Adolphus College/Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Outreach Program, which was funded by HHMI, 3M, and the Mankato Clinic Foundation.

Speaker Introduction Lesson

  • Introduction to the speakers (PDF or Word)
  • Speaker bio notes worksheet (PDF or Word)
  • Conference lecture notes worksheet (PDF or Word)

Curriculum Materials

  • The Basics: from Neuron to Neuron to the Brain (PDF or Word)
  • Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Look at Your Brain at Work and Play! (PDF or Word)
  • “Risk/Reward” Decision Making Activity (PDF or Word)
  • Video Games and Mind Control-Telekinesis (PDF or Word)
  • Neuroethics (PDF or Word)
  • Music, the Brain and Being Human (PDF or Word)
  • The Phantom in the Mirror! (PDF or Word)
  • Monogamy versus promiscuity in voles (PDF or Word)
  • Mirror Neurons (PDF or Word)
  • C. elegans and Alcohol – A Physiological Response (PDF or Word)
  • Understanding the “Uncs”! (PDF or Word)

Download all files (19.6MB .zip)



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