4 - LS1.D - Sense Receptors - FINAL (WND - 1/17/14)

DCI: LS1.D Information Processing – Different sense receptors are specialized for particular kinds of information, which may be then processed by the animal’s brain. Animals are able to use their perceptions and memories to guide their actions.

PE: 4-LS1-2 Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

 [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on systems of information transfer.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the mechanisms by which the brain stores and recalls information or the mechanisms of how sensory receptors function.]

The ideas we see in this standard are: 

- different sense receptors are specialized for different types of information 

- information is processed by the animal's brain

- animals use their perceptions and memories to guide their actions 

In order to address the 'model' of this PE - we might have students draw an analogy to a process where information is gathered from one source, carried to a 'brain' where it is interpreted, and then a response is sent out.  We can also use graphic displays which show how information is transferred from one system to another. 

Possible Question Starters: 

The transfer of information that takes place inside the body of a mouse is shown in the diagram.
We could provide a graphic (flow chart) with the following information. 

•Sensory receptors in the nose pick up scents in the air

•Information about the scents in the air are carried to the brain

•The brain detects the scents as a threat from a predator

•The brain interprets the threat and sends a message to the rest of the body

•?

In this situation, the message sent by the brain to the rest of the body is most likely to - 

correct answer - run away from danger

incorrect answer - make very loud noises

"Sensory receptors are located all over the body.  How might the sense receptors in the eyes differ from other sense receptors?"

correct answer -  sense receptors in the eyes are specialized to take in information about light

incorrect answer - sense receptors in the eyes are much longer than other receptors