FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this truly unique series of activities, students gain insight into the process of their own learning and consider how learning helps humans survive and thrive. The rich variety of activities, stories, and articles is a wonderful introduction to the topic of learning and the marvels of the human brain. The unit also exemplifies teaching approaches that take into account different learning styles and the idea of "multiple intelligences." Many teachers present these activities at the start of the school year so students can apply their new consciousness about their own learning and the workings of the brain over the rest of the year.

How, as individuals, do humans learn? What hinders and helps our learning? Do animals learn in a similar way? How, as a community of humans, do we learn things that are important for survival? How do our brains get information? Does the actual structure of our brains change with learning? To investigate these and other questions, students delve into the human organism and nervous system, animal behavior, health and safety issues, product testing, and the ethics of experimentation. In the process, they learn a great deal about what scientists actually do.