Wired to Think: Exploring the Brain as an Electrical Circuit
A diagram showing the energy flow through a simple circuit with a battery, a resistor, and a lightbulb.Copyright Alishia Hill
The brain is a complex computer with its own hardware and ‘software.’ Students are introduced to the brain’s function as an electrical circuit by exploring the similarities between neurons and electrical circuits. Students first learn about neurons, their structure, and how they transmit signals using electrical impulses, much like wires in a circuit. Through interactive activities, they build and analyze simple electrical circuits, drawing parallels to neural pathways in the brain. By understanding how the brain processes information and learns fear, students connect neuroscience concepts to real-world applications such as neuroplasticity, brain-machine interfaces, and biomedical engineering.
Neural engineers, biomedical engineers, and cognitive engineers apply principles from both biology and engineering to design, analyze, and optimize systems related to the brain and neural circuits. Neural engineers focus on developing technologies to interact with the brain, such as neural interfaces and brain-computer interfaces. Biomedical engineers work on systems that interface with biological systems, such as creating devices or tools for studying brain activity. Cognitive engineers, particularly those in fields like human-computer interaction, apply knowledge of the brain's response to stimuli to design systems or tools that adapt based on learning and behavior. These engineers often use similar principles—such as circuits, systems modeling, and adaptation—to create technologies that can respond to biological or cognitive inputs.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Draw a neuron, accurately labeling its major parts and describing the function of each.
- Explain how electrical impulses travel through a simple circuit, demonstrating an understanding of energy flow.
- Describe how neurons communicate by transmitting action potentials (electrical impulses) to other neurons.