Baylor College
What Is a Neuron?
Your class won't get on your nerves while doing this modeling activity! After teaching the structure and function of a neuron using the included diagrams, give individuals some clay and chenille stems so that they can make their own...
University of Minnesota
Bead Neuron
What do you call a skull without neurons? A no-brainer! A hands-on activity asks scholars to build a model of a neuron using beads. They use their models to study the parts of the neuron and their functions.
University of Minnesota
Virtual Neurons
It's electric! Young anatomists use Virtual Neurons software to build, control, and analyze complex nerve circuits within the body. Colorful and packed with content, class members enjoy interacting with the nervous system at a personal...
University of Minnesota
Ways of Knowing: Apples as Models
Use apples as a way of thinking about models. Young scientists consider how the word apple, a two-dimensional drawing, a three-dimensional image, a photograph, and plastic apples all model real apples in preparation for developing models...
University of Minnesota
Connect the Neurons!
Create a neuron frenzy as your pupils play the part of the neurons. An engaging lesson plan creates a human chain of neurons that pass cotton balls posing as neurotransmitters. Scholars learn about pre- and post-synapses as they complete...
University of Minnesota
Neurotransmission Model
Don't lose your marbles — you'll need them for a activity on neurotransmission. Young scholars build a neurotransmission model using marbles, beads, rubber bands, string, and other elements. After studying specific neurotransmitters,...
University of Minnesota
Neuropathfinding: Kinesthetic Model
Playing follow the leader has never been so interesting! Get the class up and moving while they take on the roles of nervous system components. Through trial and error, they learn the importance of the "pioneer" growth cone that leads...
Baylor College
Crossing the Synaptic Gap
As part of a unit on the chemistry of the brain, thinkers learn how chemicals work to transmit messages between individual neurons and how controlled substances impact the synaptic cleft. They do so by playing a dice-and-card game in...
Curated OER
Neuron Cookie
Find out just how enticing learning about neurons can be by creating models with sugar cookies, icing, and candy. With great background information for you and an easy procedure for the kids, studying cells has never been more fun or...
Curated OER
Neuron Creations
Students examine neurons. In this nervous system lesson, students build models of neurons in order to study their parts and functions.
Curated OER
Building a Clay Neuron
Students examine the anatomy of a neuron and its physiology. In this neuron lesson students build a representative model of a biological structure.
University of Minnesota
Mirroring Emotions
Do you ever give your class the "teacher look"? Without saying a word, they become silent and engaged (hopefully). How do they know what you're thinking? Explore the concept of nonverbal communication and how it relates to our mirror...
Curated OER
Remember This?
Students investigate the mechanics of an fMRI and the properties of neurons. In this biology lesson, students analyze the way the brain works by performing tests in the neurons in the brain. This is all done theoretically.
Curated OER
Neuron Anatomy Comparison
Students create a scale model of a motor neuron that is two hundred times larger than the actual neuron. They identify the structures of a neuron and observe neurons under the microscope then use a worksheet to convert actual sizes into...
Curated OER
Acting Potential
Students set up a cell membrane with the material provided by their teacher and then arrange beads properly to show how the sodium and potassium ions are arranged. They then make a model representing the axon of a neuron.
Curated OER
The Domino Effect
Students model the transmission of neural impulses with dominoes. In this nervous system activity, students construct a device with dominoes. They use the device to model the way a nerve impulse is propagated from dendrite to axon.
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
Teach Engineering
Processes on Complex Networks
Introduces your class to random processes in networks with an activity that uses information about disease spread using the susceptible, infectious, resistant (SIR) model. Participants determine whether a susceptible person becomes...
Curated OER
Neurology Lessons
Students create a model of a neuron using household items. They bring these items to school for model construction. Students utilize the Internet and other sources to categorize assigned chemical/neurotransmitter. They also utilize...
Curated OER
Making Connections: Exploring Our Brains through the Five Senses
Students record observations and create drawings and models of anatomy using their five senses. They describe the structures of a neuron and analyze each of their functions. They compare and contrast the typical structural features of a...
Curated OER
Making Connections: Exploring Our Brains through the Five Senses
Students identify structures of the brain, and neurons and analyze their functions. In this nervous system instructional activity students create drawings and models of anatomy.
Curated OER
Achy, Breaky Nerve
High schoolers will develop models of neurons to understand the function of myelin as it applies to the normal and abnormal transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, the students will also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge...
Curated OER
Building a Clay Neuron
Middle schoolers investigate and then build neurons in this lesson. They are examined as key parts of the brain and nervous system and seen as different from normal cells.
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Step Inside the Brain
Before digital microscopes, scientists hired artists to draw the things visible in the microscope. Through training in neuroscience and art, Cajal revolutionized the way we view the beautiful brain. The third lesson in a series of four...