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0 Lesson Plan Details

Lesson Title: Neurons and Electricity

Subject: Biology
Author(s): Alyssa Carmona, Rachel Linton, Shealyn Miles, Alexandra Najmola
Grade Level: 4th grade
Date Taught: 11/24/15

1.2 PA Standards

S4.A.3.2: Use models to illustrate simple concepts and compare the models
to what they represent.
S4.A.3.2.2: Use models to make observations to explain how systems work.
S4.B.1.1.1: Identify life processes of living things.
1.1 Integration of Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Students will be able to identify the parts of a neuron.

Students will be able to describe the way in which neurons relate to the
concept of electricity.
Students will be able to explain how neurons send information to the brain.
Students will be able to construct a model of a neuron.
1.3 Anticipatory Set

The teacher will begin the lesson by saying, Good Afternoon, fourth graders! Today
we will be talking about the topic of neurons and electricity. Does anyone know
what a neuron is? The teacher will listen to any responses offered by the students.
If no student offers a response, the teacher will provide an explanation by moving
into the procedures portion of the lesson.

1.4 Procedures

The teacher will begin by telling the students that neurons are specialized
cells that make up your nervous system.
The nervous system is the control center for your entire body -- it is in
charge of everything that you do.
Neurons are also known as nerve cells, and they are similar to electrical
wires, because they carry electric impulses from one part of your body to
another.
For example, when you touch a hot burner, your neurons send a signal
to your brain to tell you that the burner is too hot, and to pull your
hand away.
Neurons are like electrical wires because of the way in which they send
information. Information travels/passes from one neuron to the next --
 this is similar to the way in which particles travel through the wires in
a circuit.
The teacher will go over the different parts of the neuron on the diagram. As
he/she does so, he/she will also go over the corresponding definition. There
will be a slide for each part of the neuron diagram, as well as a
corresponding worksheet.
Nucleus:
Contains the genes of the cell. Also contains the cell history, and
the basic information needed to make all of the cell proteins.
Cell Body:
This is the factory of the neuron. It produces the other parts of
the neuron.
Dendrites:
Receive impulses passed along from other neurons.
Axon:
Carries impulses away from the cell body.
Myelin Sheath:
Covers the axon and speeds up transmission to the brain.
Axon Ending:
This part of the neuron connects with other neurons through
gaps called synapses. This is how messages are transferred
from one neuron to the next.
Teacher will review worksheet answers.
Teacher will show BrainPOP video detailing information about neurons
(https://www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/neurons/).
After viewing the video, the teacher will engage the students in a hands-on
activity, during which they will be making a model of a neuron.
The teacher will show the students an example, and begin passing out the
materials.
The teacher will then guide the students through the activity step-by-step. In
doing so, the teacher should also be sure to note what part of the nucleus
each material represents.
T will explain that the two pieces of construction paper represent the
cell body (larger piece) and the nucleus (circle in center). In addition,
he/she should should note that the tips of the larger piece of
construction paper represent the dendrites.
In a real fourth grade classroom, the students would glue these
two pieces together. For the purpose of this lesson, however,
the two pieces will already be glued together.
T will explain that the long piece of ribbon represents the axon.
Students will tie this piece through the pre-punched hole on the
cell body.
 T will explain that the beads represent the myelin sheath.
Students will string their beads onto the axon.
T will explain that the short pieces of ribbon represent the axon
ending.
Students will tie the short pieces of ribbon onto the end of their
long piece of ribbon.
Once the students have completed the hands-on portion of the activity, the
teacher will have the students connect with one another (leaving spaces
between each one), and to the brain.
For the purpose of this lesson, the teacher will ask three student
volunteers to demonstrate. In a real fourth grade classroom, however,
all students would participate.
T will be sure to note that the space left between one neuron and the
next represent a synapse.
1.6 Closure

After the activity, the teacher will ask the students what each part of the neuron
model represents. The teacher will then ask the students why we connected the
model neurons to the brain. (Our completed model visually represents the way in
which neurons work to send information to our brain).

1.7 Formative/Summative Assessment of Students (P-12)

Students will complete a worksheet during the PowerPoint.

Students will make their own model neurons, and connect them to show their
understanding of the messages the neurons send to the brain.
Teachers will ask students questions throughout the lesson.
1.8 Materials/Equipment

Worksheet
Construction Paper
Glue
Ribbon
Beads
1.9 Technology

PowerPoint
BrainPOP Video (https://www.brainpop.com/health/bodysystems/neurons/)