Lesson 1: The Spark of Life (The Neuron & Action Potential)

How does a cell "fire"? How do ions create electricity in the body?

Resting Potential, Action Potential, Depolarization, Sodium-Potassium Pump (Na+/K+), Myelin Sheath, Nodes of Ranvier.

HS-LS1-1 (Protein channels), HS-LS1-2 (Hierarchical organization).

Interpreting line graphs showing voltage changes over time (milliseconds).

Description: Students model the movement of ions across the axonal membrane.

Purpose: To understand the cellular basis of all thought and movement.

DOK 3.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the impact of myelin degradation on signal speed.

Students often think electricity "flows" through neurons like a wire; clarify that it is a wave of moving ions.

Use "Human Dominoes" to simulate signal propagation speed vs. saltatory conduction (with and without myelin).

Create a "Graph-to-Action" poster where students map ion channel states to specific points on an action potential graph.

Pipe cleaners, clay, digital simulations (PhET Neurotransmission).