Design a Functional Neuron

Design a Functional Neuron

What will students produce?

Students will create a model of a neuron using household items. Students will bring these items to school for model construction. The model must demonstrate the flow of information through a neuron. The flow of information is from dendrites, to cell body, to axon. The model must possess parts that represent dendrites, cell body, and axon. A poster must be provided that shows a labeled version of the neuron model. A written description of the model and how it functions will also be provided on the poster.

Dissemination of Information

Students will demonstrate the neuron model with the aid of the developed poster and oral explanation.

Evaluation of Project

A rubric will be developed prior to project and presentation. Students will evaluate each group with the rubric. Teacher will utilize rubric to evaluate groups. An evaluation system is utilized within groups to ensure fair point awards for each group member based on participation. Group members will evaluate their contribution by using a scale of 1-5. This ensures proper point designation for each member. A 5 represents the highest level of participation. Any score lower than a 5 must be explained. The group members will complete their evaluations anonymously. High and low scores are removed from each group presentation. Comparison of teacher evaluation and final group scores will determine final score. In some cases, not every group member will receive the same points because of varied participation.

National Standards Addressed

· Multicellular animals have nervous systems that generate behavior.

· Organisms have behavioral responses to internal changes and to external stimuli.

The entire standard verbiage is not represented in the standards listed above. The California standards also possess neural topics. This lesson is justified by national and state standards.

Pre-assessments

The pre-assessment was a rough draft that included two options for the neuron model, labeling the parts that represent different neuron anatomy, and a list of materials that will be brought the following day.

Progression of Events

Day 1
         a) Introduction of a neuron utilizing animation.
         b) Show previous models on video.
         c) Explanation of task
         d) Rough draft development
         e) Turn in rough draft
Day 2
         a) Rubric development
         b) Construct model and poster board.
Day 3
         a) Present neuron model.
         b) Evaluate neuron models
* Sometimes this assignment will take one or two days longer depending on classes and schedule

Rubric

Neuron Model
         1) Representationof dendrites, cell body, and axon (10 points)
         2) Functional/Works. (10 points)
         3) Proper sequence of events/Flow of information: dendrites, cell body, and axon. (10 points)
         4) Oral explanation of model. (10 points)
Neuron Poster
         1) Title: Neuron Model and names of group members (5 points)
         2) Labeled illustration of model identifying dendrites, cell body, and axon. (10 points)
         3) Sentences/Paragraph explaining how the model works utilizing neuron terminology. (10 points)
Total Points= 65 points
Scores are adjusted by member evaluation

Each class developed the rubric categories. One year the rubric had a totally separate oral category. This is valid. Sometimes I will dictate certain categories. I guess this year laziness kicked in. Point totals that were lower than 10 points for each category must possess reasoning for that lower score. I would discard evaluations that possessed low scores with no comments. Groups would need to have a conference with me if the evaluations were inadequate.