Lesson 2: The Synaptic Gap (Chemical Communication)

How does a signal jump from one cell to another? How do chemicals change our mood or behavior?

Neurotransmitter, Synapse, Vesicle, Reuptake, Excitatory vs. Inhibitory, Dopamine, Serotonin.

HS-LS1-2 (System interactions)

Evidence-based reading on the pharmacology of antidepressants or stimulants.

Description: Students trace a signal from the axon terminal to the post-synaptic dendrite.

Purpose: To understand how the system translates electricity into chemistry.

DOK 2.

The opioid crisis and how external chemicals (drugs) mimic or block natural neurotransmitters.

Thinking that neurons physically touch each other.

Provide a "Fill-in-the-Flow" chart for the sequence of events at the synapse for scaffolded support.

"Neurotransmitter Brochure": Students design a brochure for a specific chemical (e.g., GABA) explaining its "job" and what happens when it's out of balance.

Animation software (Stop Motion Studio) or "Synapse Kits" (ping pong balls for vesicles).