SpikerBox: Listening in on the Neural Activity of Cockroaches

Overview

In this lab, students will investigate if cayenne pepper extract affects the electrical communication in the cockroach nervous system. They will use a SpikerBox, a “bioamplifier” that allows them to hear the spikes (action potentials) of live neurons in a cockroach’s leg.

Download the Lesson Plan

Videos

Watch this video hear Eric Chudler describe nerve impulse conduction.

Links

Biointeractive Virtual Neurophysiology Lab (shockwave plugin required)