Sending and Receiving Messages (Module 3)

Introductory Story for Module 3

"Oh, no," said Beth, looking at the flashing light of the Brain Power! answering machine. "I bet that means trouble. I'd better listen to it and see what’s going on."

"Hi, Brain Storm. It’s me, Teaser," said the voice on the answering machine. "I'm going to be a little late because I hurt my foot, and my mom wants me to get it checked out. I'll be there soon."

"I hope he's all right," Beth said to herself.

Just then, she heard dinging from the computer. Who should appear but Corty!

"Oh, Corty," said Beth. "Did you hear about Brain Teaser? Isn't it the worst news?"

"Yes, but it just so happens that it leads in really nicely to your next mission."

"What do you mean?" Beth asked.

"NIDA wants you to find out how Teaser knew that his foot hurt."

"That’s easy," Beth replied. "He just, I mean, wow, it just hurt. Now I see you what you mean. That is a good question. But I don't want to do the mission without Brain Teaser."

Just then, Kevin - Brain Teaser - came limping into the clubhouse.

"Hi, guys," said Kevin. "I'm back."

"Good to see you," Corty and Beth said together. "Are you ready to get started?"

"Sure. Now what’s this I hear about NIDA Mission Control wanting us to find out how my brain knew that I had hurt my foot? If that’s the only question, I already know the answer. My brain heard me say, 'Ouch.'"

"Very funny. Somehow, I think it's more complicated than that," said Beth.

"You're right, Beth. It is," said Corty. "The way to find out how messages travel is to act it out. Here's what you should do. Kevin, you pretend you're a foot."

"A what?" asked Kevin.

"A foot," Corty calmly replied. "Beth, you be the brain. And now we need help from all those kids watching this video. Ask your teacher how to play the game. You’ll need kids pretending to be neurons and a neurotransmitter, as well as a foot and a brain. If none of this makes sense to you right now, don't worry. It will soon."

Beth and Kevin nodded their heads in agreement. "Have fun," shouted Brain Storm and Brain Teaser. "And one more thing. What you're about to find out is really cool."