NEURONS AND REFLEXES LAB
Diving in to Action Potentials
Action Potentials that take place in a neuron is one of the hardest things that students need to master in their AP Biology and/or Anatomy and Physiology classes. Enrichment in this area is incredibly helpful.
​
This lab begins with an interactive review of how action potentials work. We explore sodium and potassium leak channels, sodium/potassium pumps, and sodium and potassium voltage-gated channels.
Next, the students will use electrodes and specialized software that reads nerve impulses to measure the reaction times between an intentional movement and a reflex. Students will employ the scientific method to make these discoveries, and conclude the lesson with an evaluation of the differences between reflexes and intentional movements.
​
​