MRI and fMRI - A level chemistry and psychology - stages, comparison of MRI and fMRI, ethical issues

This is a set of resources for one or two lessons (depending on the length of the lesson) on MRI and fMRI. This forms part of a scheme of work that includes NMR. The lesson starts with an ethical question of whether criminals are responsible for their actions - whether they are born criminals. The name of the criminal can be changed to suit local news reports or film characters. The lesson then considers the famous story of the railway worker Phineas Gage whose behaviour changed suddenly after an accident that damaged his pre-frontal cortex. Thus this brain region has been discovered to be responsible for higher level thinking and control. The lesson then considers how the brain can be imaged - beginning with anatomy then considering MRI and fMRI. Students then watch a 5 minute YouTube video on MRI and make their own notes. There is then a loop game plenary to check understanding. The second half of the lesson considers fMRI and its application in the law courts. Students consider the case of the murderer Brian Dugan who used fMRI scans as part of his defense to show diminished responsibility - he showed a lack of activity in some brain regions associated with emotion. They produce a presentation and then present this to the class. A markscheme for the presentation is included. Please rate this resource and leave feedback.