Candy Neuron

Identify major structures and functions of a neuron.

The student will identify the major structures and functions of a neuron (nerve cell). The structures include: cell body, nucleus, dendrites, axon, axon terminals, and myelin.

Materials

A week before the activity is scheduled, divide students into groups of four. Each person in the group is assigned to bring one type of candy.

The four types of candy are:

Box of fruit roll-ups, not fruit-by-the foot (need one box for each group member)
1 large bag of pull-n-peel licorice (can be any flavor)
1 large bag of red vines (must have hollow center)
1 small bag of red candy (each student needs one piece)

Experiment
Reviews

Teacher should draw or have an overhead diagram showing structure of a neuron. At the beginning of the class, go over structures and functions. Tell students what candy to use to build neuron parts.
- Fruit roll up: shape to form cell body
- Round candy: nucleus
- Pull “n “ peel: separate to make dendrites, axon, and axon terminals.
- Red vines: cut into segments and feed axon through to create myelin.
- Each student needs to create a candy neuron and should be able to point out structures.
After finishing the candy neuron activity, students should draw and label a neuron and list functions on a separate sheet of paper. You could also have students complete a pre-made packet about neurons with the drawing included.