This lesson immerses students in the science of how neurons send, receive, and interpret signals in the human body. By comparing neural communication to the way radio waves transmit information in modern devices, students uncover powerful parallels between biology and technology and gain a deeper understanding of the invisible signals that shape everyday life.
Students will bring the science of communication to life using micro: bits, coding them to send and receive digital messages that simulate how both neurons and radio waves carry information across a system.
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Key Topics: human biology, sensory receptors and signals, computer science, technology.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Education
Information Technology
Science and Tech
Immersion Agenda
- Pique interest with a short introduction.
- Examine examples of chemical and electrical signals used by neurons.
- Briefly discuss and review relevant concepts.
- Students work collaboratively to code micro:bits to send and receive radio signals.
- Groups use micro:bits to simulate signals being sent and received.
- Students reflect on their work.
- Short whole group discussion recaps successes, difficulties, and unexpected events.