Lesson 1: The Molecular Machinery of Muscle Contraction
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will explain the electrochemical and mechanical steps of the Sliding Filament Theory.
How do protein interactions create force
How do nerves signal muscles
Sarcomere, actin, myosin, calcium ions, acetylcholine, NMJ
HS-LS1-1, HS-LS1-2
Cause-effect analysis
Sequencing processes
Examine muscle fiber structure
Explain contraction steps
DOK 2
Botox
Electrolytes
Muscles shrink instead of slide
Model kits
Sequencing cards
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1siFIsOAs45CxuUlyJt9dNRdT70eTva14fJMeE1qXHPk/edit?tab=t.0
Stop-motion animation or labeled diagram of the cross-bridge cycle
Skills Assessed
- Sequencing biological processes
- Explaining cause-and-effect relationships
- Interpreting scientific diagrams
- Communicating scientific understanding visually
- Connecting structure to function
Content Assessed
- Sliding Filament Theory
- Sarcomere structure
- Roles of actin and myosin
- Calcium ion function
- Neuromuscular junction signaling
- Stages of the cross-bridge cycle