September 11: Neurons

In- Class Activities:

1) Neuron Note. You read answers to your awesome questions and asked a new question related to the brain. Nice work everyone!

2) Neuron Models. WOW! You guys are super creative! Not one lame neuron model. Whether they were made out of food, felt, or famous people, I hope they helped you learn the parts of the neuron and their function. We got a chance to judge the best ones from each class and I am proud to tell you:

2B's Best Neurons

#1 Jennifer Kwon's Origami Neuron
#2 Natasha Roberts' Ballet Neuron
#3 (tie) Craig Mortenson's Steve Erwin Neuron and Arielle Owens' Wearable Neuron

3B's Best Neurons

#1 Jacinta Lestone's Doggie Neuron
#2 Alec mcNamara's Rubix Neuron
#3 Bethany Sullivan's Espresson Neuron

3) Neural Transmission. We re-read the section in your book (page 56) on how neurons fire. It is really important that you understand action potential, resting potential, positive/negative ions, refractory periods, excititory/inhibitory signals, etc. Then we went outside and made ourselves into neurons. Some of you were dendrites, cell bodies, axons, axon terminals. I supplied the neurotransmitters (M & Ms) from a axon terminal, then the dendrites "ate" the neurotransmitters until they reached the treshold and told the neuron to fire, positive ions rushed in and negative ions rushed out as the neuron depolarizes and the message was sent down the axon to the terminal branches and the synapse. Then we did it again. Hopefully, it was helpful.

4) Nervous System. I told my personal stories of CNS and PNS injuries. Morals of those stories: Wear your seat belt and be good to your parents.

Assignments:

1) Read chapter 2 up to page 75.

2) All chapter 2 notecards are due on Monday

3) Don't forget your play-doh for Monday's brain creation

FYI: Chapter 2 test is on Friday, the 19th.