Neuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity

In this guided inquiry activity, students will work with a partner to analyze four different models, read corresponding background information, and answer application questions related to neuron communication and signal transmission. Content covered includes neurons, nerve impulses, membrane potential, action potentials, synapses, and neurotransmitters. This is a great low-prep way for students to explore signal transmission themselves, engage them in model-based inquiry learning, and decrease lecture time on these topics.

*NOTE* Do not purchase if you have already purchased my Control and Coordination unit or my Anatomy Curriculum Bundle because you already have this product!

What is included?

• 2 pages of teacher implementation notes (PDF)
• 8 pages of student handouts (PDF)
• 8 page answer key (PDF)

What prior knowledge will students need to be successful with this resource?

Students will need a basic understanding of the purpose, structure, and classification or neurons. They will also need prior knowledge of cell transport from their Biology 1 class. Due to the prior knowledge this project requires in order to complete it, I use it to break up my lecture notes on the nervous system in my Control and Coordination unit, after introducing students to neurons.

Why should I use this product in my classroom?

Model-based inquiry learning is challenging, but so worthwhile for students. This resource will push and stretch them, but ultimately will grow them in their ability to analyze models and think critically. After doing activities like this regularly, my students saw how much they helped them to understand the content. Additionally, it is a low-prep, no-extra-materials-necessary way to get learning more student-centered and to decrease lecture time.

What does each model cover?

• Model 1 reviews neurons with the students and introduces them to the following terms: nerve impulse, nerve fiber, synapse, and synaptic cleft.
• Model 2 introduces students to membrane potential, as well as the following terms: voltage, current, and resting membrane potential.
• Model 3 introduces students to action potentials, as well as the following terms: voltage-gated channels, ligand-gated channels, mechanically gated channels, graded potential, threshold, nerve impulse, resting state, depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.
• Model 4 introduces students to synapses, as well as the following terms: chemical synapse and neurotransmitters (both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters).

What if I want more?

This product is part of my Control and Coordination Unit bundle. Be sure to check it out by clicking HERE!

What if I have a question?

Email me at itsnotrocketsciencestore@gmail.com I’d love to answer any questions you have!

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*TERMS OF USE*

You may...

      • Use this item for your own classroom, students, or for your own personal use.

      • Buy additional licenses for others to use this product at a discount by visiting your TpT “My Purchases” page.

      • Review this product to recommend others buy it in blog posts, at professional development workshops, or other venues as long as credit is given to my store with a direct link to my store/product.

You may not...

      • Upload this product to any website or server – even one for your classroom.

      • Give this product to others without the purchase of an additional license for them (this includes emailing, printing copies, or sharing through a website, cloud or other network.)

      • Copy or modify any part of this document to offer others for free or for sale.