Hands-on Activity Building the Neuron

Learning Objectives

After this activity, students should be able to:

• Design and build a model of a neuron.
• Explain the structures of a neuron and how each structure contributes to the overall function of neuron.
• List reasons why engineers use models to explain natural phenomenon.

Educational Standards

Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.

All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).

In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.

NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science

International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology

State Standards

Materials List

Each group needs:

• 1 mammal neuron cell slide, available for $7 each at http://www.carolina.com/histology-microscope-slides/mammal-neuron-motor-nerve-cells-smear-microscope-slide/313570.pr?catId=&mCat=&sCat=&ssCat=&question=mammalian+neuron
• microscope (if only 1 micorscope is availabe, share with the class)
• 2-3 sheets of graph paper
• Viewing the Neuron Worksheet
• Peer Review Checklist
• Presentation Preparation Guide
• Presentation Evaluation Form

To share with the entire class:

Note: To create their neuron models, have student groups select from the variety of materials listed below, or modify the list based upon your supplies availability.

• scissors
• 1-2 rolls tape (any kind)
• 1-2 packages pipe cleaners
• molding clay
• assortment of beads
• electrical or copper wire, 1spool
• string or yarn, 1 spool/skein
• assorted paint and brushes
• recycled newspaper or butcher paper
• assortment of Styrofoam balls
• computer with Internet access and projector, to show a short video

Worksheets and Attachments

Pre-Req Knowledge

A familiarity with the structure and function of a neuron, in addition to an understanding of the nervous system, is helpful. Students should also be able to create an at-scale drawing using graph paper.

Introduction/Motivation

To begin today's activity, we will watch a video clip about a robotic arm and a monkey. As you watch, think about how we can relate the monkey's actions to the possibilities of a human repeating those actions. (Show students this one-minute video clip that shows a monkey with a brain implant trained to use its brain to command a robot arm to feed itself marshmallows - just by thinking about it - at .)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm2d0w87wQE

In this video you saw a monkey feed itself a banana without the use of his own arms. Instead, he thought about moving his arm, which sent signals to a computer. The computer interpreted these signals, and subsequently, moved the robotic arm. The monkey was able to move the robotic arm with his thoughts because of the activation of the neurons in his brain. Once this was discovered, many engineers thought about how the monkey could act as a model for humans.

In addition to using monkeys as models for humans, engineers also rely on rats as models to help them understand whether an LED light device could activate neurons inside the brain. Once engineers see that the device works with a rat, then they present what they learned and predict how the same technology might impact humans. We rely on various types of models, living and nonliving, to help us understand what is or what could be.

During this activity, you play the role of engineers who need a model to help others understand what is already known. Your task is to design and create a model of a neuron that will help you explain to others the structures of a neuron and how each structure contributes to the overall function of the neuron. To conclude the activity, you will meet with a younger student to teach him or her about the neuron and explain how your model can help engineers create devices that activate neurons.

Procedure

Before the Activity

• Gather model-making materials and microscope(s).
• Make copies of the Viewing the Neuron Worksheet, Peer Review Checklist, Presentation Preparation Guide, and Presentation Evaluation Form, one each per group.
• Before Day 4, arrange for your class to present its neuron model presentations to a younger group of students via video conferencing or a in-person visitation to another class in the school.

With the Students

Day 1

1. Divide the class into groups of two students each, and assign each group to a microscope or determine an order in which they will share the existing number of microscopes.
2. Discuss the Pre-Activity Assessment questions as a class: Why do engineers rely on models to show their thinking? What is a neuron and why is it important?
3. Provide each group with a worksheet. (Note: Students should not answer question #3 on until Day 3 of this activity.)
4. Guide students to view their brain tissue samples under the microscope(s). Have students complete their worksheet to support the development of their neuron designs. Once students reach the highest magnification, direct them to look for an image on their slide similar to that in Figure 1.

   

5. Using graph paper, have students draw an at-scale design for their models. Direct students to label their designs and include the following parts: dendrites, cell body, nucleus, axon and axon terminals.

Day 2

1. Prior to the start of today's tasks, display materials available for the construction of the neuron model.
2. Direct students to retrieve their design drawings from Day 1 and take a look at the available materials. Have students record the materials they want to use to represent each neuron structure by placing the name of the material next to the name of the structure. For example, a pipe cleaner may be used to represent the axon.
3. Once their design plans are ready, that is, students have labeled their drawings with the materials they intend to use, have them begin to construct their models.

Day 3

1. Begin the session with a peer review. Have student pairs partner up with another group, and use the peer review checklist, to evaluate the model of the other group. The team whose model is being reviewed is referred to as the "engineers" while the team doing the reviewing is referred to as the "reviewers." Remind students to record written feedback for each criterion. Feedback might include suggestions for improvement (such as, "It might be helpful to make the axon terminal more apparent") or compliments (such as, "You represented the axon with the pipe cleaner really well because it shows that it is long").
2. Based on peer feedback, direct groups to use the remainder of the time to revise their designs and make any final changes and improvements.
3. Hand out a presentation preparation guide to each group to prepare for the Day 4 presentation.
4. Complete the Activity Embedded Assessment. Students may record their responses on a lined sheet of paper and turn it in prior to the conclusion of the day.

Day 4

1. If possible, brief the class of younger evaluating students on how to complete the presentation evaluation form.
2. Direct student partnerships to present their models to the student evaluators.
3. Once all presentations have ended, have students critique the effectiveness of their own models by asking them the following questions:

• Do you believe your model was useful in helping you to explain the structures and function of the neuron? Why?
• What advantages did the model have in helping you to explain?
• What disadvantages did the model have in helping you to explain?

Vocabulary/Definitions

axon: A string-like structure that transports messages from one end of the neuron to the other.

axon terminal: A round structure at the end of the branches of axons that transports messages to the next neuron.

cell body: Surrounded by dendrites, contains the nucleus of the neuron.

dendrite: A branch-like structure that receives messages from other neurons.

model: A three-dimensional representation of a person, thing or proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original.

neuron: A specialized cell that transmits messages throughout an organism's body.

structure: The arrangement of parts within a whole.

synapse: The gap between neurons in which messages are transported.

Assessment

Pre-Activity Assessment

Discussion Questions: As a class, discuss the following questions:

• Why do engineers rely on models to show their thinking? (Possible answers: Models are used to represent something else. A model of a neuron helps us to see what cannot be seen with the unaided eye. The model can be used to show the structure of the object and aid a person in describing the object's components and function.)
• What is a neuron and why is it important? (Example answer: A neuron is the cell that makes up the nervous system. It is important because it causes messages to travel throughout an organism. Those messages are analyzed and stored in the brain, and the brain sends a response back to other parts of the organism.)

Activity Embedded Assessment

Neuron Diagram: Direct students to complete question #3 on the Viewing the Neuron Worksheets (draw a diagram of a neuron; see Figure 2 for example drawings).

Exit Ticket: On a new sheet of paper, have students answer the following questions:

• What is the function of the dendrites? (Answer: Dendrites receive messages from other neurons.)
• What is the function of axon terminals? (Answer: Axon terminals send messages to other neurons.)
• Why it is important to understand the structures and the function of the neuron? Explain. (Example answer: Without an understanding of the neuron, we would not be able to know how organisms respond to stimuli. We would not understand why our bodies react when we touch something else. We would not know how to help people who have had nervous system injuries. We would not know how to use external devices to support people with nervous system injuries.)

Post-Activity Assessment

Presenting the Neuron: Have student groups present their models to younger groups of students who serve as evaluators. Have the evaluators complete the Presentation Evaluation Form. Student presenters are assessed on their knowledge and ability to present information to an audience based on the evaluators' ability to complete the listening guide.

Safety Issues

Remind students to be careful with scissors.

Troubleshooting Tips

To avoid running out of supplies, direct students to use supplies conservatively.

Activity Extensions

Presentation Preparation Guide: If you wish to make available extra credit points, have students turn in their presentation preparation guides and offer bonus points for their completion of the guide.

Activity Scaling

For lower grades:

• Deciding which supplies to use may overwhelm younger students; consider paring down the supply options to reduce students' indecision when designing.
• Have students present to their peers, rather than another class.
• Have students work in groups of three or four.

For upper grades:

• Have students work individually.
• Consider giving students a supply budget. Decide in advance what each supply will cost to "buy," thus introducing the idea of designing within constraints.
• Allow students to work on their models at home.

References

Copyright

Contributors

Supporting Program

Acknowledgements

The contents of this digital library curriculum were developed through the Robotics Engineering for Better Life and Sustainable Future research experience for teachers under National Science Foundation RET grant number CNS 1300794. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the NSF and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.