NEW OCR Biology A 5.3.1. Sensory Receptors and generating Nerve Impulses

An introductory lesson to neuronal communication, covering the first topic of sensory receptors (including the pacinian corpuscles), membrane permeability and how nerve impulses are generated. This is broken down into a step by step explanation with detailed diagrams and information.

There is an eye opening starter activity in which pupils are given a number of fascinating facts about the nervous system to discuss in pairs. At the end there is also a card sort/sequencing plenary activity in which students have to organise the sequence of events in the generation of an action potential.

Lastly I have included a fun crossword to test students on everything covered in this lesson. This can either be used as a plenary or a starter to the following lesson.

5.3.1. (a) to know the roles of mammalian sensory receptors in
converting different types of stimuli into nerve
impulses.
To include an outline of the roles of sensory
receptors (e.g. Pacinian corpuscle) in responding
to specific types of stimuli and their roles as
transducers.