Create a Superhero Activity

							                                              Superheroes




Science fiction writers are always searching for good ideas for plots that will capture the interest of their
readers. A common premise was that radiation somehow altered biological processes, transforming normal human
beings into superhumans, some good and some evil. One example is the Incredible Hulk.

        Your task is to create your own superhero by pretending that it is possible to magnify the abilities
governed in selective sites in the human brain. You may find it helpful to begin by listing the component parts of
the brain and their functions. Identify the areas of the brain that would have to be altered to accomplish
skills you’ve determined are important for your character. For each superhero you must alter at least 4
components of the brain. Some of these components will be necessary to accommodate the characters new
skills while some will be the ones altered to produce the new characteristics. For example, if you alter their
senses you need to alter the way they plan or evaluate situations.

                          Here are some parts of the brain you may consider altering:
                       Occipital lobe               Frontal lobe                  Parietal lobe
                       Temporal lobe                 Amygdala         Different neurotransmitters
                      Corpus Callosum              Hypothalamus                   hippocampus

You will need to:

     Draw your superhero, (can use clip art) (5 points)
     Design a costume/outfit that reflects his/her main ability (3 points)
     Name your character (2 points)
     Determine the super abilities she/he possess (5 points)
     Identify the brain structures that will need to be augmented to accommodate the new super skill
      (10 points)
      o In doing this you must “scientifically” explain the process that the brain had undergone and goes
          through to enable the superhero to have super powers. For example, if you choose your
          superhero to have super powers in the ability to dress with great style, you must explain what
          lobe of the brain is affected. What happens in the brain when that person is deciding how to
          dress. What happens in the brain when that person visualizes the best styles, etc.
      o Make sure that if you create a power that may affect multiple regions you demonstrate that.
          That means that you need to know and understand ALL of the different areas of the brain!
     Identify a simple plot that would encourage this superhero to come to the rescue (5 points)

                                          This will be worth 30 points