One Rule - Education Campaign

Student - Cecelia (Ceci)(Tsz Kwan) Lam

Supervisor - Juan Burrone

To Fire or Not to Fire: How Neurons Decide 

This project is a short-form science communication campaign designed to explain a core principle of neuroscience to a GCSE-level audience: how neurons decide whether to fire. Across a series of 60–90 second videos, the campaign communicates a consistent mechanistic “backbone”: neurons integrate excitatory (“go”) and inhibitory (“stop”) inputs, and generate an action potential only when activity crosses a threshold, typically at the axon initial segment. 

To enhance accessibility and engagement, this mechanism is applied to everyday contexts relevant to students, including exam stress and gaming (reaction time). Each episode maintains a clear distinction between neuron-level processes and system-level influences, such as stress-related changes in circuit activity, to avoid common misconceptions (e.g., oversimplifying stress as “too much excitation”). A central theme across the campaign is the importance of maintaining a balance between excitation and inhibition for stable and effective brain function. 

The project adopts a visually consistent design using simplified neuron diagrams and short-form video formats suitable for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. This visual identity is further reinforced through supporting elements, including simple merchandise (e.g., enamel pins), designed to highlight key concepts such as the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Audience understanding and engagement are evaluated using comprehension questions, viewing metrics, and QR-linked access to additional content. 

Cecelia.pdf

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