Neuron SpikerBox

See and hear real neurons firing — live, in your classroom.

The Neuron SpikerBox lets students record actual action potentials from invertebrate neurons. This is real electrophysiology — the same technique used in research labs around the world — made accessible for classrooms, homeschools, and curious minds.

Key features:

• Records real action potentials (spikes) from cockroach leg neurons
• Built-in speaker — hear each spike as it fires
• Connects to laptops, smartphones, and tablets for visual recording via Spike Recorder software
• Beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for undergraduate and graduate research

What's included:

• Neuron SpikerBox unit
• Recording electrode (silver wire)
• USB cable
• Cork board and pins for preparation

What students learn:

• What a real action potential looks and sounds like
• How neurons encode information through firing rate
• Thresholds, refractory periods, and rate coding
• Foundation for advanced topics: neuropharmacology, sensory coding, neural adaptation

Who it's for:

• AP Biology, anatomy, and neuroscience classrooms
• Undergraduate teaching labs
• Science fair projects
• Anyone who wants to experience real neuroscience, not just read about it

As seen in Greg Gage's TED Talks — the tool that started the Backyard Brains movement. Pairs with cockroaches (sold separately) and the Neuropharmacology Kit for expanded experiments.