It’s All in Your Head is an activity developed by Learning Undefeated to explore the physics of concussions and how materials science can be used to make better helmets to hopefully prevent long-term injury.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury. The brain tissue is damaged when the brain hits the inside of the skull with a high force, essentially bruising the brain.
If an individual suffers a large number of concussions during their lifetime, long term effects including neurodegeneration, the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, may occur. As research continues into concussions and the long-term effects of injuries, there may be a way to prevent neurodegeneration in at risk individuals.
In this inquiry based activity, your students will discover the mechanics of concussions, test and evaluate different helmet materials, and walk away with a better understanding of how future technologies can make athletic play safer.
Looking for the mobile laboratory version of It’s All in Your Head? Click here.
Looking for the answer keys for this activity bundle? Complete this form to gain the password to our Activity Keys webpage.
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