Virtual Neurons is a learning tool designed to help students learn about neurons, how they communicate, and how a circuit of neurons can encode information from the outside world (touch, for example), as well as control parts of the body through the stimulation of muscles. To use Virtual Neurons, you'll need the Microworlds web player:

Get the free Microworlds Web Player

There are currently two versions of Virtual Neurons:

	1) Requires pressure (push the skin cells with the thumb) to stimulate the sensory neuron.		2) No outside stimulus required.
Go to current version		Go to current version

 

Hints for using Virtual Neurons

Virtual Neurons is part of the BRAIN to Middle School project, made possible by funding from the National Institutie of Health's Science Education Partnership Award Program.  Additional activities and resources can be found at www.brainu.org

Please check back later for curriculum and worksheets for the classroom.

This project was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Center For Research Resources, National Institutes of Health. Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NCRR or NIH.

Credit for ideas and development of Virtual Neurons and Neuron Blocks goes to Janet Dubinsky of the Department of Neuroscience at the University of MN, and to Kristen Murray, Teresa Hung, and Keith Braafladt of the Learning Technologies group at the Science Museum of MN.

For questions about the BRAIN project, please contact Carrie MacNabb or email macna001@umn.edu.