Teacher Portal
Welcome to the Human Cognition (HC) Unit
The Human Prenatal Development Unit guides students through the origins of individual human life with scientific rigor and deep respect for the dignity of the human person. Each Investigation integrates hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, and opportunities for meaningful reflection.
– A unit designed with respect for the wonder of human life.
This Teacher Portal provides full instructional access to the Human Prenatal Development unit.
Students do not need individual accounts or email addresses.
One access code is used by the entire class.
Where Students Go to Enter Their Class Access Code: http://faithandreason.lablearner.com/student-access
Student Class Access Code
Use this code for your whole class. Students enter it at /student-access.
Unit Assessment Materials
These unit-level assessment materials are designed to be used after completing all Investigations. The final Unit Assessment evaluates cumulative understanding, the Answer Key supports efficient grading, and the Content Alignment Guide shows where each exam question was taught during the Unit. PDFs open in a new window for easy viewing, downloading, and printing.
Investigations
Investigation 1: The Human Brain
In Investigation One, you will use a sheep brain in the lab, but human models will also be available for comparison. The focus of the lab will be the four lobes of the brain (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital) and their functions.
In the second part of the lab, you will be directed to find various structures on the brain specimens and then draw them on swim caps. This lab should give you a good understanding of the overall anatomy of the brain.
Investigation 2: Simple Information Processing (reflexes)
You will perform a series of reflex and neurological tests to explore how the nervous system responds to stimuli. You will practice basic neuro exam techniques, including the two-point discrimination test, to measure touch sensitivity on different parts of the body. Using this data, you will create a sensory map, or homunculus, that shows how much brain area is devoted to different regions.
Investigation 3: Complex Information Processing (Learning and Memory)
In Investigation Three, you will continue to study and demonstrate the Information Processing Model of human cognition and learning. During this Investigation, you will:
- Discover how permanent, long term memories are made.
- Demonstrate how critical thinking and decision-making takes as well as factors that may inhibit this process.
- Learn to use and control your own information processing methods to help study and improve your cognitive abilities.
Investigation 4: Decision Making and Artificial Intelligence
In Investigation Four, you will learn about the slowest developing component of human cognition, executive functions. During this Investigation, you will:
- Learn that the brain’s frontal lobe involves higher-level thinking, planning, and problem-solving.
- Learn that the frontal lobe and executive functions are not fully developed until late adolescence/early adulthood.
- Begin to consider the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and intelligently discuss the opportunities and challenges this exciting new technology presents.
Investigation 5: Uniquely Human – The Moral Mind
Human beings possess a distinctive ability to reflect upon their own thoughts, actions, and intentions. This investigation explores how the brain supports moral awareness—how regions like the prefrontal cortex and limbic system work together in empathy, conscience, and decision-making.
Students examine what neuroscience reveals about free will, virtue, and responsibility, and how these insights illuminate what makes us truly human. Through case studies, reflection, and comparative analysis with artificial intelligence, learners consider the biological roots and spiritual dimensions of moral judgment.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Human Prenatal Development
