Candy Neuron Identify major structures and functions of a neuron. email to friend
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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

Divide students into groups of four a week before the activity is scheduled. 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 liquorice (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

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 candy neuron, 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.