ToK Brain Project

Brain Research Projects

Objective: To research a topic on the human brain and present what you have learned.

Groups: You should work in pairs or alone depending on the topic. The table of project topics indicates how many people for each.

Format of presentation: The table of topics below also indicates the types of format that are appropriate for each topic. Abbreviations used are: 'CP' for class presentation, which indicates either a standard oral presentation format, a PowerPoint presentation to the class or a videotaped presentation; 'WF' for written format, which indicates either a research essay, web page or poster paper. A PowerPoint, video or web page presentation if done well can net the group two bonus marks. Those who opt for poster papers will be eligible for one mark less. The essay and oral presentation will neither gain nor lose marks.

Topics: The topics are listed below. Topics are not all eligible for the same number of marks. The maximum number of marks for which your group will be eligible is listed in the table below. There can only be one group for each topic.

Sources: Initial sources to get you started are listed with your topic. You will be expected to find and use at least two more sources beyond those I have given you. The sources I have listed can mostly be found using the library's SIRS system. (The full citation info for the SIRS articles in the table can be found here. I will make available those sources not to be found via SIRS or on the library shelves.

Steps and due dates:

Tell me your topic and how you intend to present it (e.g. videotaped presentation). Read your initial source(s) and write a brief outline of where you think you are going with your topic. List at least two further sources (correctly cited) that you will be using to get to know and understand your topic better. (Due end of class, September 2.)
Present a detailed outline or concept map of your topic, a bibliography with all the sources you intend to use and a list of steps to accomplish the project in your format (e.g. get videorecorder and meet at partner's house tonight). (Due September 8.)
Present your final project with a bibliography. (Due September 10.)

Topics, initial sources, format and marks:

Topic	Source	Format, number partners and maximum mark
Evolution of the Brain	Carl Sagan, The Dragons of Eden Rita Carter, Mapping the Mind	Format=CP, # partners=2, Maxmark=22
The Hemispheric Brain: Split Brain Patients Left-handedness	Carl Sagan, The Dragons of Eden Rita Carter, Mapping the Mind	Format=CP, # partners=2, Maxmark=22
Emotion	LOS ANGELES TIMES,Oct. 14, 1996 PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, Jan./Feb. 1998	Format=CP, # partners=2, Maxmark=22
Memory	PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, Jan./Feb. 1995 THE SEATTLE TIMES, Aug. 8, 1997 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, Mind Edition	Format=CP, # partners=2, Maxmark=22
The Mind/Body Divide	NEW YORK TIMES,January 23, 1996 TIME, Jan. 20, 2003	Format=CP, # partners=1, Maxmark=21
The Teen Brain	U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, Aug. 9, 1999 TIME, May 10, 2004 LOS ANGELES TIMES, June 25, 1998 TIME, Jan. 20, 2003	Format=CP, # partners=1, Maxmark=21
What is Consciousness?	SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, Mind Edition John Horgan, The End of Science	Format=CP, # partners=1, Maxmark=21
Artificial Intelligence	John Horgan, The End of Science	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=21
Psychosurgery	LOS ANGELES TIMES,Aug. 4, 2003	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=20
Anxiety, Stress and Fear	TIME, June 10, 2002 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, Mind Edition DISCOVER, March 2003	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=20
Brain Plasticity and Injury	AMERICAN SCIENTIST, Sept./Oct. 2000	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=20
Depression	PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, March/April 1999 TIME, Jan. 20, 2003	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=20
Why do we dream?	DISCOVER, April 2001 MACLEAN'S, Aug. 4, 2003	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=20
Music and the Brain	U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT,Aug. 3, 2001 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, Mind Edition	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=19
Humor: Why we laugh	DISCOVER, April 2003 PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, April 1, 1999	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=19
Searching for God in the Brain	FREE INQUIRY, Summer 1998 Secrets of the Mind, Nova video	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=18
Synaesthesia	Rita Carter, Mapping the Mind	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=18
Pharmaceutical drugs and young people	TIME Nov. 3, 2003	Format=WF, # partners=1, Maxmark=18

How you will be marked: Your project will be marked on punctuality, research, understanding and presentation. An additional mark (up to four) will be awarded according to your work habits on the days we use class time to research, prepare and present the projects. This makes for an initial mark out of twenty. The mark will then be adjusted to the maximum allowed grade and bonus marks for format choice will be added.

	4	3	2	1
Punctuality	I accomplished each step of the project correctly and on time.	Most of the steps were done correctly and only one was late.	I missed a step altogether, or was late more than once, or made mulitple mistakes (e.g. sources not correctly cited in step 1).	I didn't get the initial steps (1 and 2) in at all.
Research	I researched my topic thoroughly and found lots of information in various formats (WWW, books, articles) suited to my level.	I researched my topic well and found more than four sources. Most of my sources were at the right level for me.	I researched my topic a bit and found three or four additional sources. A few of my sources were at the right level.	I did a little research on my topic and found only two additional sources which were either too easy or difficult for me.
Understanding	I understood my topic well and was able to show what I learned.	I mostly understood my topic and was able to show whatI learned.	I understood some of my topic and showed some of what I knew.	I understood a little of my topic and showed what I knew.
Presentation	My presentation was clear and interesting.	My presentation was usually clear and interesting.	My presentation was occasionally clear and interesting.	My presentation was confusing.

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