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
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...
Scholastic
Study Jams! The Nervous System
Get your class thinking with animations of neurons in action and explanations of how stimuli is transported and processed. This film makes an ideal introduction or review of the nervous system. The parts of the brain and what they...
University of Minnesota
Altered Reality
Fascinate young life scientists by showing them how their brain learns. By using prism goggles while attempting to toss bean bags at a target, lab partners change their outlook on the world around them, producing amusing results....
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.
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...
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
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 plan in a series of...
Discovery Education
Sonar & Echolocation
A well-designed, comprehensive, and attractive slide show supports direct instruction on how sonar and echolocation work. Contained within the slides are links to interactive websites and instructions for using apps on a mobile device to...
Curated OER
Role of Cerci in Escape Responses of the Cockroach
Learners investigate the changes in escape behavior in Madagascar Hissing Cockroahes when their sensory apparatus is removed. They use puffs of air at differnt angles to simulate a predator's approach then collect and analyze data on...
Curated OER
The Drug Connection: Design-O-Synapse
Students study cholinergic neuromuscular pathway of acetylcholine release and develop a model for drug interaction at one specific neurological site. Working in teams, students can also research different drugs or poisons and produce a...
Curated OER
Developing and Assessing the Intelligence of a Kindergartner: A Practical Approach
Students name objects that are the same size, shape, and weight as the human brain. They touch the model brain, feeling the folds, etc. They make connections to the chart displaying the brain-like objects. They touch the 'potato flake'...
University of Washington
University of Washington: Modeling the Nervous System: Making a Neuron
Use this site for lots of different ideas on how to make a model of a neuron.