Pom Pom Potential
Source Institutions
-
University of Utah
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In this kinesthetic activity, learners move pom-pom "ions" across a membrane to simulate how an action potential is propagated along an axon. Conducted as a group activity, this color-coded simulation helps learners visualize how an action potential travels down a neuron. Learners also get to eat candy during this simulation!
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 600 green pom-poms
- 300 blue pom-poms
- 1 large bag of small candies (M&M’s®, Skittles®, jelly beans)
- 2 color overheads
Subjects
- Life Sciences
- Cells
- Cell Structure and Function
- Chemistry of Life
- Human Body
- The Brain and Nervous System
- Cells
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
- Physical Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Scheidell, Steve; Malone, Molly; Nicholson, Brendan; VanDijk, David
Source Collection:
- Teach.Genetics
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, University of Utah, ©2005
Funding Source:
- Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award (SEDAPA) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services
