From Neurons to RobotsExploring Free Online Neuroscience and Robotics Virtual Labs

http://www.mind.ilstu.edu

Dr. Darci J. HarlandCenter for Mathematics, Science, and TechnologyIllinois State University

FREE, web-based curriculum (flash)The Vision: Design virtual online

labs Pair up with researchers/doctors toHelp students see how what they

are learning connect to cutting edge science & research

Provide realistic simulation science experiences

NIH grant: SEPA

History of The Mind Project

•12 years high school biology/science•Ph.D in Educational Technology •MIND project role:–Biology expert–Meet with scientists–Story board the modules–Create professional development materials–Communicate with the computer animators–Support teachers who implement our Virtual Labs

Introduction to Darci J. Harland

Virtual Cocaine LabLearn about neurotransmitters by studying dopamine in the

brain of rats under the influence of cocaine.

Neurobiologist: Dr Paul Garris (ISU) Students study dopamine levels in

the brain in a freely movable rat Can study dopamine released from

neurons!!!!! Rat Brain Surgery--implant

Stimulating electrode Reference electrode Sensing electrode Place for Cocaine injections (via jugular)

Telemetry: to study free-moving animals

Dopamine Brain Research

Virtual Lab Content Nervous System Physiology of addiction Animal Research

Ways to implement Use animated graphics Individual or groups Teach scientific method

& data collection Overview Tutorial

Content in the Lab

Resources for Virtual Cocaine Lab Link to all module resources Student Tutorials

Background on dopamine Overview

Professional Development Tutorial PD manual Supplemental activities

The Virtual Stroke LabDiagnose and treat a virtual stroke patient.

Content within the Virtual Lab Dr. Ajeet Gordhan-neuroradiologist Stroke symptoms, types of strokes,

risk factors, and treatments Circulatory anatomy Role of technology in diagnostic

medicine CT Angiography 3D Digital Subtraction Angio

Surgical treatment of hemorrhagic strokes Clipping or coiling

Health Careers

Student Experience Role play a

neuroradiologist Learn new information

ONLY when they need to make a decision

Overview Tutorial

Resources for Virtual Stroke Lab Link to all module resources Student Tutorials

Overview Navigation

Student Handout Professional Development

Tutorial PD manual (supp.

activities)

The Virtual Parkinson’s Lab

Learn about how the level of dopamine levels in the brain affects Parkinson’s patients.

Content Within the LabRole of dopamine in

Parkinson’s DiseaseNeurotransmitter

functioning

Student ExperienceRole play a

neurobiologistLesion rat brain to

simulate reduced dopamine levels

Study impactInteractive Neuron Video

The Virtual Robotics Lab

The best way to understand how robots work, is to build them yourself. Our

Virtual robotics labs allow you to build and/or program robots.

Link to module resources

The tasks include:• assembling the robot• building a robotic arm• writing scripts to direct the arm to pick up a Coke bottle• writing scripts move the robot’s wheels• loading "beliefs" into the main AI engine (ProtoThinker)

The Virtual Robotics Lab (top-down)

Link to module resources

Iris 1.2 Robotic Arm

Students are fully able to interact with the Iris 1.2 arm by constructing the arm, creating scripts for arm movements, and utilizing the Iris software package.

Link to Comprehensive Robotics: “Extra version”

Introduction to RoboticsVirtual Robotics Labs

Top-downBottom-upIs the Human Control System top-down or bottom up?

Physical RobotsIris IBugbots

Additional Virtual Robot Resources

We are looking for teachers to pilot The Virtual Stroke Lab& The Virtual Parkinson’s Lab

Email me @ mindsup@ilstu.eduAll labs available at http://www.mind.ilstu.edu