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.