Pipe Cleaner Neuron, Grades 6-8

Background

The human brain is made up of approximately 86 billion nerve cells called neurons. Neurons are like other cells in the body in that they have a cell body and a nucleus and contain structures such as mitochondria. However, they also have features that make them unique. It is these specialized structures of a neuron that allow brain cells to communicate with one another in a process called “neurotransmission.” In this hands-on exercise, students will first learn about the structure and components of a neuron and how they facilitate neurotransmission. Then they have the opportunity to create a realistic model neuron out of colorful pipe cleaners.

Student Objectives

• Understand the main components of a neuron and their functions.
• Discover how neurons communicate with one another during “neurotransmission.”

Lesson Plan

• Title: Pipe Cleaner Neuron
• Setting: In Classroom Subject: Biology -Neuroscience
• Grade Level: 6-8
• Time Frame: 40 Minutes
• Paired Dana Foundation Fact Sheets: 6th-8th Grade How Does the Brain Work?
• Next Generation Science Standards: Meets MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-3, & MS-LS1-8

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