Mississippi Science HAP.6.2

ScienceGrades 9–12Human Anatomy and Physiology

The Standard

HAP.6: Students will investigate the structures and functions of the nervous system, including the cause and effect of diseases and disorders.

Analyze the structure and function of neurons and their supporting neuroglia cells (e.g., astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, microglial).

2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Nervous System

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify the main parts of a neuron and trace the path of a signal through it. They match four types of glial cells to their jobs, including making myelin, supporting neurons, and clearing debris.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can explain how myelin helps signals travel quickly. They can name the cells that make myelin in the brain and spinal cord versus peripheral nerves, and describe what astrocytes and microglia do.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think glial cells send signals in the same way neurons do. They often mix up Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes, or think microglia make myelin instead of clearing debris.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: On a neuron sketch, draw the signal path and label the dendrites, cell body, axon, and myelin. Name the two myelin-making cells and give one job each for astrocytes and microglia.

Lesson moves

Build a neuron with pipe cleaners and beads; label its parts and trace a signal from dendrites to axon tip.
Show two axon drawings, one myelinated and one bare; ask students to write which sends signals faster and why.
Give pairs four glial cell cards and four job cards; have them match the cards and explain each choice.
Use a multiple sclerosis case card to ask which glial cell makes the affected myelin and why muscle control may change.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to HAP.6.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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