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Neurotransmitters, Drugs, and the Nervous System By Eric Renfro

Objectives: Given the name of the neurotransmitter or psychoactive drug/chemical students will:
1) Utilize the Internet and other sources to categorize assigned chemical/neurotransmitter.
2) Utilize the Internet and other sources to determine the effect of the assigned chemical/neurotransmitter.
3) Utilize the Internet and other sources to determine the receptor type, neuron type, and action stimulated by the assigned chemical/neurotransmitter.
4) Design a functional 3-dimensional model of a receptor that binds the assigned ligand.
5) Recognize that the behavior of drugs emulates the behavior of neurotransmitters.
6) Visually model the reaction of the assigned drug/neurotransmitter-receptor complex.

Previous Student Learning/Mastery
1) Cell structures
2) Cell membranes and transport
3) Neuron structures

Learning Goals
1) Receptors are 3-dimensional.
2) Model the receptor ligand interaction.
3) Neurotransmitters communicate.
4) Neurons communicate.
5) Drugs mimic neurotransmitters.

Products to be Constructed and Evaluated
1) 3-dimensional receptor and ligand.
2) Poster board that illustrates assigned ligand-receptor complex stimulus. This can be in the form of a storyboard or cartoon. Legend needs to be provided.

Materials and Resources
1) Internet
2) Cups (plastic and paper)
3) Snap beads
4) Lego
5) Tape
6) Paperclips
7) Playdoh/clay
8) 1/2 sized poster boards
9) Color markers/pencils
10) Any other items brought by students

Timeline (Modifications may be Required Depending on Class)
Day 1

A) Review the idea of a receptor
      · Why do cells have receptors?
      · What are receptors made of?
      · Are receptors general or specific?
B) Assign each group a neurotransmitter or a drug. They must answer the provided questions:
      · What is the effect of the assigned neurotransmitter/drug on the nervous system?
      · What is the target of the assigned neurotransmitter/drug?
      · What receptors do the assigned neurotransmitter/drug effect?
      · When bound to a receptor, what specifically does the assigned neurotransmitter/drug signal for a neuron?
C) Check each group for accurate responses for each of the assigned questions.
D) Explain to students that each group will design their own 3-dimensional receptor as well as a 3-dimensional ligand that represents the assigned neurotransmitter/drug. Students need to bring ideas and materials the following school day if they choose not to use materials provided.

Day 2
A) Teacher will clarify the model design with a rubric. The ligand-receptor complex must signal an action. A labeled visual will need to accompany the model to demonstrate that action. Example, caffeine-hyper!
B) Students must provide a design by the end of the period. The design must be sketched, and labeled by the end of the period. A materials list will also be provided on this rough draft.
C) If students accomplish this task, then they may begin the project. Students will be instructed that the following day will be devoted to project construction.

Day 3
A) Students work on receptor model.
B) Indicate to students that the final product will be due the later half of the period tomorrow.
C) Projects will be evaluated using the rubric.

Day 4
A) Students complete models.
B) Groups explain the models to the class.
C) I will allow each group to grade projects with rubric. These evaluations will be incorporated into the final grade. I monitor this process with hawk eyes.
D) After evaluation, I will review receptor specificity and that drugs mimic neurotransmitters.

Day 4 (continued)
E) The teacher will indicate that the drugs/neurotransmitters assigned each had a sister in class. For example, nicotine will bind to acetylcholine receptors.
F) A list of the group assignments will be given. The homework will be to match the neurotransmitters to their mimic (drugs) and evaluation of group members.
· You could have this assignment in the beginning of the lesson and require the "sister" groups to design similar receptors and ligands.

Day 5
A) Randomly choose groups to answer matching list.
B) Turn in group member evaluations.
C) Review concepts
D) Quiz

NEUROTRANSMITTER	MIMIC
Acetylcholine	Nicotine
GABA	Barbiturates
Serotonin	LSD
Dopamine	Cocaine

Others? Refer to www.ultranet.com/~jkimball/BiologyPages/D/Drugs.html

Homework

Match the following neurotransmitters to appropriate mimic (drug)

1) GABA                                  A) Cocaine
2) Serotonin                              B) Nicotine
3) Dopamine                             C) LSD
4) Acetylcholine                        D) Barbiturates

5) Could acetylcholine and nicotine bind to the same receptor? Yes or no? Show a labeled illustration that supports your answer.

6) Could acetylcholine and cocaine bind to the same receptor? Yes or no? Show a labeled illustration that supports your answer.

7) The matching section lists 4 neurotransmitters and 4 mimics. Each of these has specific psychoactive effects. Briefly explain the effect that each of these has on the body.

Rubric for Design a Receptor

CONTENT (10 Points)
1) Conveys a clear message
2) Stands alone, independent of verbal expression
3) Contains accurate information
ORGANIZATION (10 Points)
1) Exhibits a logical and explicit sequencing of ideas
2) Enhances communication of the content
CONVENTIONS (10 Points)
1) Exhibits care resulting in a neat, attractive product.
2) Includes title, labels, and legend when appropriate
IMPACT (10 Points)
1) Attracts and engages viewers' attention
2) Uses color, graphics, lettering for maximum impression
3) Exhibits some originality
TASK-SPECIFIC CRITERIA (10 Points)
1) Three dimensional
2) Visual and labeled reaction to neurotransmitter/drug-receptor complex (ligand bound to receptor)
3) Group oral explanation

ASSIGNED DRUG/NEUROTRANSMITTER _________________________________________________

GROUP MEMBERS                                           PERIOD____
_______________________            _____________________
_______________________          ______________________

TOTAL POINTS_______                GRADE_________