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What Are Neuroscience Core Concepts?
Neuroscience Core Concepts offer fundamental principles that one should know about the brain and nervous system, the most complex living structure known in the universe. They are a practical resource about:
- How your brain works and how it is formed.
- How it guides you through the changes in life.
- Why it is important to increase understanding of the brain.
The Neuroscience Core Concepts have broad application for K-12 teachers and the general public, offering the most important insights gained through decades of brain research. They also spotlight promising research paths ahead.
Eight concepts are organized within four “mega-concepts” and contain guiding principles that serve to stimulate further thinking and exploration. The Core Concepts have been correlated to the National Science Education Standards and are a tool and resource for inclusion in K-12 teaching curricula.
The concepts were developed with leadership from the Public Education and Communication Committee of the Society for Neuroscience. In January 2007, more than a year of development began, including extensive consultation, review, and refinement by hundreds of neuroscientists and educators nationwide. This constitutes a living document that will be updated as new information becomes available.
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Neuroscience Core Concepts:
The Essential Principles of Neuroscience
Each essential principle is supported by fundamental concepts comparable to those underlying the U.S. National Science Education Standards (NSES). Consult the Overview Matrix to integrate Neuroscience Core Concepts into your curriculum.
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The Nervous System Controls and Responds to Body Functions and Directs Behavior
1| The brain is the body’s most complex organ.
2| Neurons communicate using both electrical and chemical signals.
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Nervous System Structure and Function Are Determined by Both Genes and Environment Throughout Life
3| Genetically determined circuits are the foundation of the nervous system.
4| Life experiences change the nervous system.
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The Brain Is the Foundation of the Mind
5| Intelligence arises as the brain reasons, plans, and solves problems.
6| The brain makes it possible to communicate knowledge through language.
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Research Leads To Understanding that Is Essential for Development of Therapies for Nervous System Disorders
7| The human brain endows us with a natural curiosity to understand how the world works.
8| Fundamental discoveries promote healthy living and treatment of disease.
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Get more background on Neuroscience Core Concepts:
Neuroscience Core Concepts is a living document that will be updated as new information becomes available in the field. Feedback on this project and the current listing of neuroscience core concepts and fundamental principles are welcome. Please share your thoughts with the SfN Public Education and Communication Committee by e-mailing education@sfn.org.
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