ideas and worksheets on teaching about the nervous system to 3rd graders?

Answer 1

I recently did an activity with my high school kids (who often act like 3rd graders) that would probably work for you. I had them sit in two parallel rows and hold the hand of the person next to them. The student at the start of each chain (nearest me) had to watch me for a cue (I flipped a coin, tails=nerve impulse). They then had to squeeze the hand of the person next to them (everybody else's eyes were closed). This started a chain reaction along the two rows, and and the end of the chain sat my class mascot (Kermit the Frog doll). When the last person in line felt their hand squeeze, they had to grab for the doll. Whichever line grabbed Kermit first was the winner (they get competitive and want to do it over again). You could use this to explain how nerves transmit impulses to each other (first kid in line = sensory nerve, kids in line = nerve pathway, their hands held together = synapse...)

There's also a really good website call Neuroscience for kids that presents tons of information in a pretty simple format. At least you could show your kids optical illusions, etc.

Answer 2

I have a good Frank Schaeffer book on the Human Body. You can get it at the teacher's supply store. You can also try this web page: http://www.instructorweb.com/lesson/nervoussystem.asp