Mind Over Matter - Teacher's Guide

Steroids Activity Two

Objective
The student will learn more about the functions of key neurotransmitters including serotonin, glutamate, dopamine, and acetylcholine.

Activity
Indicate that steroids affect the function of several neurotransmitters, adding that each neurotransmitter communicates different types of messages. For example, glutamate communicates excitement, acetylcholine tells the heart to beat slower and commands memory circuits to store or remember thoughts, serotonin controls emotions and mood, and dopamine affects feelings of pleasure. Students will select a neurotransmitter and search the Internet and other sources for additional information. They will prepare a brief report summarizing their findings and create a comic art rendition of their neurotransmitter.