|
Life Sciences for the Gifted Child |
Objective: To demonstrate the transference of human cerebral functions to a substitute host using simple surgical/electrical techniques.
Equipment: Dissecting tray, scalpel, specimen jar, cranial saw, electrodes, saline solution, forceps.
Procedure:
1. Since this is a two-person lab, you and your partner should not begin until you have decided which one of you will be assigned as the Subject. In case the lab requires more than one class period, you should write down the name of the Subject to avoid accidentally continuing with the wrong person.
2. Wash hands thoroughly.
3. Using the scalpel, make an incision along the lines labelled A. Use this as your guide for the next step. (Safety tip: stay away from major arteries when possible.)
4. Use the cranial saw to remove the section of Subject's skull shown in Figure 2. This is hard work, and if you lack physical strength you may need Subject's assistance in operating the saw.
5. Before extracting the brain, make sure the specimen jar is standing nearby at least half full of the saline solution. The brain should be extracted in one smooth motion and placed in the solution as quickly as possible; this is largely dependent on correct wrist action (see Figure 5).
6. Subject may now be set aside for the remainder of the lab. In your lab drawer you will find a gorilla. If your instructor has not already prepared the gorilla, repeat steps 3 and 4 and extract unnecessary material.
7. Carefully transfer the contents of the specimen jar from step 5 into the skull of the gorilla as shown in Figure 6. (Note: check for correct alignment; a common mistake is to place the frontal lobes facing down.)
8. Attach electrodes to at least three of the nine brain centers shown in Figure 7. Using more electrodes will reduce your percent error, but attention should be given to technique.
9. Allow your instructor to inspect the prepared gorilla. Points will be deducted for obvious brain damage or faulty wiring. When you are told to continue, apply as much current as you feel appropriate.
10. If signs of life are evident, you are now ready to record your observations. Read slowly and clearly from the sample questions below and record the responses, if any, in Table II.
|
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
A. What is your name? |
Analysis:
1. Complete the personality profile in Table IV for Subject both before and after the experiment. Points will be deducted for lack of personality.
2. Write a brief essay on the applications of this technique to other topics discussed in class. Points will be deducted for inappropriate language.
3. Suggest a name for the creature you have produced. Be imaginative. Points will be deducted for lack of imagination.