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    Home » Key Stage 3 Science » Neurone model for a science fair

    Neurone model for a science fair

    Modified: Apr 11, 2023 · Published: Jan 6, 2023 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Creating a 3D neurone ( or neuron ) model is a great way to learn about the central nervous system and how messages are transmitted around the body.

    3D neurone models are also a fantastic addition to a school science fair project about the nervous system.

    What are neurones?

    Neurones ( often called nerve cells ) are specialised cells found all over the body. They carry electrical signals.

    Neurones are often very long to speed up nerve impulses. Connections between neurones, although fast, slow the impulse down, so one long neurone transmits a message faster than lots of smaller ones.

    What is the central nervous system?

    The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system is all the nerve cells that carry information to and from the central nervous system.

    Neurones are part of the nervous system. Humans have five sense organs ( eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin ). These contain nerves which send messages to the brain about whatever stimuli they detect. The brain then decides on a response that it sends via more nerve cells to the part of the body that needs to respond.

    diagram of the human body systems

    What are receptor cells?

    Receptor cells are specialised cells in the sense organs, and effectors are the part of the body that responds to a stimulus, such as muscle cells.

    Information flow from receptors to effectors

    Stimulus – Receptor – Sensory neurone – CNS – Motor neurone – Effector – Response

    As you can see, there are several different types of neurones, including sensory neurones, motor neurones and relay neurones. Each has a slightly different structure.

    Neuron structure

    Neurones have a cell body with a nucleus, cytoplasm and other sub-cellular structures.

    Unlike other cells, neurones have extensions that connect to other neurones.

    Dendrites and dendrons carry impulses towards the cell body. They pick up impulses from other neurones.

    Axons carry impulses away from the cell body to other neurones.

    Neuron cell diagram including nucleus, cell body, dendrites, myelin sheath, axon and axon terminals

    Neuron Models

    Pipe cleaner neurone model

    The neurone model below is made from pipe cleaners, cotton wool and small pom poms.

    The pom poms represent the myelin sheath found around some axons. The myelin acts as an insulator to speed up the electrical impulse.

    3D model of a neurone made from pipe cleaners, cotton wool and pom poms

    Play dough neurone model

    This is a straightforward neurone model made using play dough.

    play dough neurone model

    Other ideas for neurone models are to use sweets, modroc or beads!

    What is reaction time?

    Reaction time is the time it takes you to respond to a stimulus. One easy way to measure reaction time is using a ruler!

    What is a reflex arc?

    A reflex action is an automatic, very fast response to stimuli. For example, if you touch something very hot or sharp, your reflex action is to move your hand away. A reflex response is faster than a normal response as it requires less thought processing. The impulses travel via the spine or unconscious part of the brain, and the conscious part of the brain is bypassed to save time.

    Diagram of a reflex action showing how the brain is bypassed to provide a very quick response.
    Neurone models made from pipe cleaners and play dough for learning about the nervous system

    Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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