Project by: Farin Weinger (10th Grade)
Project Advisor: Daniel Li
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Jessica Tan

Description of the Project: Throughout this project, I will be exploring anatomy of the CNS. I will be delving deeper into a part of the brain of my choice and learning about all of the individual functions, anatomy, circuits, and nuclei.

Final Product (e.g., documents, images, video, audio, poster, display, etc.):

 

Final Reflection on Learning:

This project was different from the ones I’ve done before because it focused on brain structure rather than a more abstract idea about the brain. It gave me a chance to extend my research skills and understanding of the way the brain works. This helped further my background knowledge on the brain which I can apply to further projects and research. I’m excited to use this research for the future.

Update on Progress from Weeks 1-3 (include any photos or video if relevant):

During these first three weeks of my honors project, I have been both figuring out what I want to do and learning. I started by doing general research on the anatomy and functions of different parts of the Central Nervous System. I learned about all of the lobes and some of the subcortical regions (such as the Limbic System). I think the frontal lobe is the most interesting to learn about because of its higher-level cognitive functions (such as decision making or addiction) or behavioral traits.

However, since I did a lot of research on that specifically last year, I would like to expand to other regions. I have decided to take a closer look at the Limbic System, specifically the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small part of the brain right above the brainstem. The hypothalamus is incredibly important because of its connection to both the Nervous System and the Endocrine System (hormones). The hypothalamus both produces neurotransmitters and hormones to maintain homeostasis (equilibrium in a system).

Throughout the up and coming weeks, I will be delving deeper into the hypothalamus from anatomy to nuclei.

Update on Progress from Weeks 4-6 (include any photos or video if relevant):

During the middle part of my project, I delved deeper into the hypothalamus. I learned what it did, its anatomy, circuitry (specifically the Papez Circuit which generally connects memory and emotions), and the specific nuclei in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a very complex part of the CNS, and is very well studied which makes it very fun to research. I think that this project has been a great exercise into my researching and critical thinking skills. Over the final few weeks, I will be finalizing my research and compiling it into a comprehensive poster.

Update on Progress from Weeks 7-9 (include any photos or video if relevant):

During these last few weeks, I finalized my research on the hypothalamus. I researched the different nuclei that make up the hypothalamus (there is quite a lot which I found impressive). Using this knowledge, I compiled everything I learned this trimester into a comprehensive poster on the hypothalamus (I could call it “hypothalamus 101).

Overall, I thought this project was really fun even if it was a little different than what I normally do. I think in the future I want to focus on a more abstract idea and then learn about brain structures relating to it. I think that would add more to the research component of the project as I would comb through some research papers. Also I think I’ve found that broader concepts, like a certain disorder, is more fun for me. I can’t wait to pick something for next trimester!