Read, Learn Education

Creating a 3D neurone ( or neuron ) model is a great way to learn about the central nervous system and how messages are transmitted around the body.

3D neurone models are also a fantastic addition to a school science fair project about the nervous system.

What are neurones?

Neurones ( often called nerve cells ) are specialised cells found all over the body. They carry electrical signals.

Neurones are often very long to speed up nerve impulses. Connections between neurones, although fast, slow the impulse down, so one long neurone transmits a message faster than lots of smaller ones.

What is the central nervous system?

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system is all the nerve cells that carry information to and from the central nervous system.

Neurones are part of the nervous system. Humans have five

My winter themed print and play pack is a free download containing five easy science experiments mainly using the paper they are printed on and a few extras ( balloon, scissors, a torch and water).

Simply print, experiment and then recycle the leftovers.

The activities are mess free ( apart from one ) with easy to follow instructions.

1. Spinning Snowflakes

Use the template to make three paper spinners. Attach a paperclip to the ends of each one and drop from different heights or add extra weight to see how it affects the speed at which the snowflakes fall.

2. Magic Opening Snowflakes

Cut out the large snowflake ( you don’t need to cut around the spikes, just a rough cut is fine ) and fold them up. Place the folded snowflakes in a bit of water and watch as the arms spring open. This clever science trick works because

I’m always on the look out for new science activities to use with my own children or to recommend to schools. There are lots of great science resources around but it’s not often I come across a whole FREE and unique education programme. Dreamachine fuses the arts and science with fascinating investigations about the extraordinary power of the human mind, amazing brains and questions about our sense of self, how we see the world and how we connect with others.  

The activities are aimed at 5-13 year olds and also include free CPD resources and videos for teachers created with the Chartered College of Teaching and Education Support. The Dreamachine lesson plans cover PSHE, Science, and Global Citizenship and are linked to curricula across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We’ve had great fun trying some of the activities this week and learned a huge amount while working

You may have seen my post about Dreamachine’s amazing brains activities a few days ago. Dreamachine is a wonderful new resource all about the wonders of the brain! The resources include hands on science activities, more than 30 easy to follow lesson plans and even teacher CPD focussed on wellbeing. They are great for both home and school and we have really enjoyed trying them out.

As well as the primary lesson plans and activities geared towards families there is a fantastic digital tool called Life’s Big Questions hosted by the brilliant Martin Dougan from CBBC’s Newsround.

There are five interactive challenges, each exploring how we experience the world around us through our senses, inviting children across the UK to share what’s important to them in the world.  The big questions delve further into the incredible potential of the human brain and are a wonderful addition to the other Dreamachine