The Human Body Under Stress: Understanding Anxiety and the Brain

Introduction

Have you ever felt your heart race before a test or your hands shake during a stressful moment? That is your body reposting to stress. Anxiety is a normal biological reaction but when it becomes overwhelming, it can affect daily life.

Guiding Questions:

What happens in the brain during anxiety?

What are healthy ways to I manage anxiety?

How does stress affect the body?

Task

Students will work in groups to create a Canvas presentation or short video explaining how the brain responds to stress:

1. Physical symptoms of anxiety

2. Healthy coping strategies

3. How the brain responds to stress

Process

Step One: Assign Roles

 

Neuroscientist- Researches Brain function

Wellness Coach- Finds coping strategies 

Editor- Creates video

Health Specialist- Explains body symptoms

 

Step Two: Research using sites below

-  kidshealth.org

-cdc.gov

-www.nimh.nih

 

Step Three: Collaborate 

- Use Google Docs to organize notes and info

- Use discussion boards to communicate roles

- Share drafts and give feedback

 

Step Four: Create Project

Your project must include

- at least 2 coping strategies

- At least 3 physical effects of stress

- A labeled diagram of the brain

 

Step Five: Submit 

Upload your final project to your class platform

Evaluation

Rubric (100 points total):

  • Content Accuracy (25 pts)
  • Explanation of Brain & Body (20 pts)
  • Creativity & Design (20 pts)
  • Coping Strategies & Analysis (25 pts)
  • Group Participation (10 pts)
Conclusion

Understanding how your braiding and body react to stress could help you take control of your mental health. Anxiety is something everyone experiences, but learning how to manage it makes a big difference.