Brain DeCoded with CodeX
Brain DeCoded with CodeX
A neuroscience and Python curriculum for grades 8-12+, where students program the CodeX to model how the brain sends signals, stores memories, and controls movement.
About this Digital Textbook
The Brain DeCoded with CodeX pairs real neuroscience with hands-on Python programming for grades 8-12 and up. Students meet their guide, Dr. Neuron Sparks, and work through five missions that move from the parts of a neuron, to brain chemistry, to pattern recognition and language, and finally to how motor neurons drive muscle movement.
Every concept gets coded. Students use the CodeX and its peripherals kit to model neurons, simulate neurotransmitter effects, build class-wide neural networks over the radio channel, and run their own reaction-time and brain-training experiments.
Each mission is broken into short objectives, and each objective is its own lesson. Every objective page below carries a classroom-ready lesson plan with learning targets, key concepts, assessment opportunities, vocabulary, and standards alignment.
What's in the kit: every CodeX kit ships with three peripherals - a NeoPixel Ring, a 180 degree servo, and a potentiometer - plus a connector board and jumper wires. Nothing else needs to be purchased to teach the five missions.
Mission 1: Brainstorm Bootcamp
Students start their adventure learning about CodeSpace and the CodeX. Basic Python code is introduced, such as turning on pixels and displaying images, and students program the peripherals that come with the kit. As a final activity, students use radio signals to send messages to each other using the CodeX.
Each objective is its own lesson. Suggested timeline: 4-7 class periods.
Objectives in this Mission
- Objective 1: Boot Up: This objective introduces the CodeSpace learning environment. Students meet their guide, Dr. Neuron Sparks.
- Objective 2: Boot Up II: Students learn about helpful tools in CodeSpace.
- Objective 3: Introducing CodeX: Students connect the CodeX to the computer and CodeSpace.
- Objective 4: Code Action: Students use the buttons to light up pixels and display images.
- Objective 5: Plug In: This objective uses the NeoPixel Ring peripheral.
- Objective 6: Plug In... more!: This objective uses the 180 servo and potentiometer.
- Objective 7: Link Up: Students use the radio channel on their CodeX devices to send and receive messages to and from their classmates.
Standards Addressed
▾
CSTA Standards - Grades 9-10
Additional Standards for Data & Impacts
Mission 2: Neuron Navigator
This mission introduces the neuron. Students learn the parts of a neuron and how they work together to communicate with each other. As a final activity, the class forms a neural network using the CodeX devices as neurons to send and receive signals.
Each objective is its own lesson. Suggested timeline: 7-10 class periods.
Objectives in this Mission
- Objective 1: Neuron Power: This objective introduces the neuron and explains the parts of a neuron. The objective involves reading the material, and no program is required.
- Objective 2: Unplugged Chain: Students assume a role of neurons and participate in an activity that simulates a neural network. Students observe how each neuron plays a unique role in efficient brain communication.
- Objective 3: Code a Neuron: Students use the CodeX device to model a neuron. They write a program that cycles through the phases of neuron communication.
- Objective 4: Neural LinkUP: Students write a program to see how neurons talk to each other. They experience a digital network chain in action.
- Objective 5: Network Test: This objective builds on the last objective by widening the communication from a single chain to a class-wide network.
Standards Addressed
▾
CSTA Standards - Grades 9-10
Additional Standards for Data & Impacts
Mission 3: Synaptic Sparks
This mission dives into the chemistry of the brain, including neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Students use the CodeX device to simulate scenarios and observe their effects. As a final activity, students program and then participate in memory and reaction tests.
Each objective is its own lesson. Suggested timeline: 8-12 class periods.
Objectives in this Mission
- Objective 1: Brain Chemicals: This objective introduces neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and gives students focus questions for the mission.
- Objective 2: Mood and Memory: Students write a program that simulates many daily activities. They observe the effects of the activities on neuromodulators, memory and mood.
- Objective 3: Your Brain on Sunshine: Students learn about the effects of sunshine and nature.
- Objective 4: Your Brain on Sleep: This objective discusses the sleep cycles and how sleep patterns affect brain activity.
- Objective 5: Your Brain on Drugs: Students learn how different types of drugs affect brain chemistry.
- Objective 6: Reaction Time!: Students review all the information from the mission and use the CodeX device for a culminating activity.
Standards Addressed
▾
CSTA Standards - Grades 9-10
Additional Standards for Data & Impacts
Mission 4: Language Logic
In this mission we explore pattern recognition and how it relates to language acquisition. Students will discover how the human brain looks for patterns in spoken and written language. The final activity is to use English and Spanish words in a partner mad-libs story.
Each objective is its own lesson. Suggested timeline: 8-12 class periods.
Objectives in this Mission
- Objective 1: Roots of Language: This objective discusses the evolution of human communication. Students trace the history of language from gestures and facial expressions to a shared proto-language.
- Objective 2: Pattern Recognition: Students learn about the parts of the brain that work together to make sense of patterns in everything from faces to language. The concept of algorithm is introduced.
- Objective 3: Pattern Detection: Students learn about an advanced search algorithm for detecting patterns.
- Objective 4: Language Patterns: This objective looks at patterns in spoken language.
- Objective 5: Ethical Considerations: Students research ways that pattern recognition is used in real-world applications and address ethical considerations.
- Objective 6: Language Acquisition: Students learn about areas in the brain that process language. They learn about language acquisition by using patterns and rules.
Standards Addressed
▾
CSTA Standards - Grades 9-10
Additional Standards for Data & Impacts
Mission 5: Muscle Magic
During this mission students explore how motor neurons communicate with muscles. Topics covered are action potentials, the effect of neuron diameter, and the central pattern generator. The mission ends with a "Go No-Go" brain training activity using the CodeX devices and the 3D-printed pods.
Each objective is its own lesson. Suggested timeline: 8-12 class periods.
Objectives in this Mission
- Objective 1: Motor Neurons: This objective discusses motor neurons and communication with muscles.
- Objective 2: Motor Neuron Signals: Students learn about action potentials and how the diameter of a motor neuron impacts the speed of the signals.
- Objective 3: Neural Rhythms: Students learn about the rhythm generator circuit and rhythms created when synchronized neurons take turns firing.
- Objective 4: Muscle Response: This objective discusses reflexes and the central pattern generator.
- Objective 5: Athletic Reaction: Students learn about motor neuron recruitment during different activities.
- Objective 6: Reaction Revolution: This objective summarizes the learning in the mission pack and discusses training your brain to focus and perform better through practice.