Overview

In this kinesthetic activity, students learn how molecules communicate messages between two neurons at a synapse. Students also learn how signal facilitators and signal inhibitors can affect the transmission of a message.

The lesson is intended to supplement Carry the One Radio’s Interview with Cornelia Bargmann. As such, it focuses on neuropeptide messages influencing social behaviors. However, the activity can be used without listening to the radio program, and can be used to discuss the role of neurotransmitters more generally.

Using this Lesson Plan

This lesson is intended for grades 9-12 and advanced middle school students. This lesson is intended to take two 60-minute class periods.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards:

This lesson plan supports Life Science Disciplinary Core Idea LS1.A Structure and Function, Feedback mechanisms maintain a living system’s internal conditions within certain limits and mediate behaviors, allowing it to remain alive and functional even as external conditions change within some range (HS-LS1-3).

This lesson plan supports Crosscutting Concepts in Structure and Function, Investigation or designing new systems or structures requires a detailed examination of the properties of different materials, the structures of different components, and the connections of components to reveal its function and/or solve a problem (HS-LS1-1).

California State Standards:

This lesson plan enriches California Biology State Standard 9.d. Students know the functions of the nervous system and the role of neurons in transmitting electrochemical impulses.

Advanced Placement Biology Curriculum:

This lesson plan supports the following AP Biology Essential Knowledge 3.E.2:Animals have nervous systems that detect external and internal signals, transmit and integrate information, and produce responses.

Additional Resources