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Neurophysiology Virtual Lab

Start Interactive
Screenshot from the virtual lab

Topic

  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Communication
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nervous & Endocrine Systems
  • Zoology

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Virtual Labs

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
34 Users
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Description

This interactive, modular lab explores techniques for identifying and recording the electrical activities of neurons, using the leech as a model organism.

In this lab, students investigate and map how neurons in the leech’s nervous system respond to different touch sensations. The lab includes sections on dissecting a leech specimen, measuring the voltage (potential) of a neuron in response to various stimuli, and injecting fluorescent dyes into neurons to visualize their morphology. Students engage in key science practices, including collecting data and interpreting graphs, and identify individual neurons based on their results.

The lab contains an interactive lab space, an informational notebook, and embedded questions. It also includes supplementary resources, such as background on the anatomy of a neuron, a review of the resting potential and the action potential, and a glossary of scientific terms.

Student Learning Targets

  • Identify sensory neurons based on their morphology and response to touch stimuli.

  • Collect and analyze data, including graphs.

Estimated Time

One to several 50-minute class periods, depending on which sections are used.

Key Terms

action potential, anatomy, dissection, electrophysiology, ganglion, laboratory technique, leech, neuroscience, sensory neuron, voltage

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published 02.27.97

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-2; SEP3

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-3.D, IST-3.B; SP3

IB Biology (2016)

6.5

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2; DP1

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