Brain Lab

Brain Lab KS3 & KS4 duration: 1 hour

The journey from diagnosis to treatment of a fictional brain tumour patient reveals the human experience and the many different careers behind the science, whilst introducing students to key techniques such as microscopy and micro-pipetting. Developed as a partnership project between At-Bristol Science Centre, The Centre for Ethics in Medicine at the University of Bristol and the Brain Tumour Bank South West at Southmead Hospital, Bristol.  Supported by The Wellcome Trust

Key Words:

Brain, medicine, neuroscience, health, brain tumour, ethics, microscopy, laboratory, careers

Learning objectives

Understand how a range of different professions within the health service support brain tumour patients.

Gain an insight into the sequence of events involved in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours.

Appreciate the human experience behind the medicine.

Develop an awareness of the range of careers that contribute to this process.

Learn about and practice some of the key techniques, such as pipetting stains and preparing slides.

Use microscopes to observe and interpret slides of brain tissue.

Learn about the research behind the treatment and the perspectives of the professionals involved.

Content

View exclusive footage of the diagnosis and treatment process, featuring a real surgeon and neuroscientist.

Discuss and learn about the experience from the perspective of all those involved.

Practice pipetting skills, prepare and stain a slide of real (animal) brain tissue, and view using a microscope.

View pre-prepared slides and other images of nervous tissue and recognise structures and abnormalities.

Be fascinated by this authentic insight into the world of neuroscience and medicine.

Curriculum Links:

KS3 Biology: Cells and Organisation

The hierarchical organisation of multicellular organisms: from cells to tissues to organs to systems to organisms.

KS4: Working Scientifically

Appreciate the power and limitations of science and consider any ethical issues which may arise.

Explain everyday and technological applications of science; evaluate personal, social, economic, and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments.

Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus.

KS4: Biology

Describe cancer as the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division.

Describe the discovery and development of potential new medicines, including preclinical and clinical testing.

Recall that many non-communicable diseases are caused by the interaction of many factors, including cancers.

Describe the structure and function of the human brain.

Explain some of the difficulties investigating brain function.

Explain some of the limitations in treating damage and disease in the brain.

Potential Hazards and accessibility

Students will use animal (cat) brain tissue to prepare slides and will pipette stains