In this lab, students learn about the branch of neuroscience known as electrophysiology—the study of electrical activity in the body. This lesson introduces students to the topic of action potentials and overviews how neurons send signals to “talk” to one another and to other cells within the body. In this activity, students “spy” on their own nerves talking to their muscle cells by using an electromyograph (EMG). After observing their own electrophysiology, students are then introduced to other methods scientists use to spy on neurons, including a technology that was developed in part at the Allen Institute called “Neuropixels” probes, which allow scientists to observe the electrical activity of hundreds of neurons at once within a living organism.
 
This activity uses an electromyograph developed by Backyard Brains.