The Synapse: An Engineering Design Challenge

Looking for a classroom challenge that combines hands-on lessons in chemistry and engineering? Have students design, construct, and test a device that sends electrical currents across electrodes — similar to neuronal communication down the neuron and across the synapse.

Access The Synapse unit from the Center for Neurotechnology, a National Science Foundation-funded research center based at the University of Washington. Some of the lessons in this unit feature special equipment, chemical solutions, and lab ware, and require access to a chemistry wet lab.