1. Neuron schematic  G t = RT ln (c 2 /c 1 ) + zF  E axon myelin sheath dendrites nerve endings nt release nt receptors Cell body synapse

2. Critical Thinking vs. Rote Memory The central educational fallacy of our time is that one can think without having anything to think about” Heather MacDonald (Manhattan Institute) from …. Why Johnny’s Teacher Can’t Teach What are the biochemical mechanisms of memory and learning?

3. Brain Organization Sensory Perception neurons Memory Processing Neurons hippocampus – seat for learning & memory Memory Storing Neurons

4. Long Term Potentiation (LTP) The increase in synaptic strength between Excitatory synapses and hippocampus neurons LTP is thought to be essential for memory And learning. Also STP (short-term potentiation) & LTD (long-term depression)

5. pain calm Stimulus

6. pain calm Perceive pain or anticipate pain

7. 1.AMPA receptor contains Na + /K + channel 2. NMDA receptor contains Ca ++ channel typically blocked by Mg ++ - voltage regulated COO - + | H 3 N - CH - CH 2 – CH 2 – COO - glutamate

8. The Doogie Mouse 1. Interact with Objects 2. Anxiety due to environment 3. Finding hidden platform

9. Chronology of LTP Multiple external (or internal?) stimuli received by brain neurons. Release glutamate to synapse. Some memory processing neurons connected to multiple sensory neurons. AMPA receptors depolarize neuron (Na + in) in response to glutamate. Sufficient stimulation (intensity or repetition)activates NMDA receptors (lose Mg 2+ ). This opens Ca 2+ channel. CaMKII activated – AMPA receptors clustered – protein synthesis stimulated – new dendritic connections with pre-synaptic neurons initiated – retrograde messenger? Synaptic connectivity increases between linked neurons. i.e. the density of dendrites increases.