Indiana Science HS-AP5-4
The Standard
Identify and model how action potentials are generated, via neurotransmitters, the ions and channel protein involved, and the basic structural and functional aspects which allow for synaptic connection.
Indiana Academic Standards for Science (2023) · Integration and Coordination, the Nervous System
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students trace a signal along a neuron and across a synapse. They show sodium entering and potassium leaving through channels during an action potential. They model calcium-triggered neurotransmitter release and how the next neuron might fire.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student labels the axon terminal, synaptic cleft, receptors, and channels on a two-neuron diagram. They place sodium entry, potassium exit, calcium entry, and neurotransmitter release in order. They explain that the next neuron fires only if it reaches threshold.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may draw an action potential jumping across the synaptic cleft instead of showing neurotransmitters crossing it. They may swap the directions of sodium and potassium movement or assume every neurotransmitter release makes the next neuron fire.
How to Assess It
- Sketch two connected neurons with a gap between them. Ask students to label where Na+ enters, K+ exits, Ca2+ enters, neurotransmitters cross, receptors bind them, and a new action potential could begin.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
On a two-neuron sketch, move Na+, K+, and Ca2+ beads through labeled channels, then place paper neurotransmitters on receiving-cell receptors.
Have partners answer, 'Why can an action potential travel along an axon but not jump across the synaptic cleft?'
Give pairs six cards labeled threshold, Na+ entry, K+ exit, Ca2+ entry, neurotransmitter release, and receptor binding to sequence.
Write 'lidocaine blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels' on the board and ask why a dentist uses it before drilling.
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Printable HS-AP5-4 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- HS-AP5-2
Observe and identify the structure and function of the various neurons and neuroglia. Explain how the varying structures determine the specified function.
- HS-AP5-1
Develop a model that illustrates the structural components and functional subdivisions of the nervous system.
- HS-AP4-2
Develop a model to illustrate the components of a muscle fiber and how they interact in contraction and relaxation.
- HS-AP5-5
Identify the various classification of neurotransmitters and their associated functions.
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