The Human Body Self-Paced

Course Essential Questions

• How does the structure of the human body relate to its function?
• How do body systems work together to maintain homeostasis?
• What happens when there is a disruption to homeostasis?

Course Learning Objectives

• Explain the major organ systems of the human body and their key functions.
• Analyze the interrelationships between different organ systems.
• Develop and use models to illustrate key functions of the human body systems.
• Conduct investigations to explore the functions of body systems.
• Evaluate the impact of lifestyle choices on human health.
• Identify careers where understanding the structure and function of the human body is necessary.

Unit 1: The Mystery of the Marathon Runner (Topics 1-5)

Unit Level Essential Questions

• Why do we breathe faster when we exercise?
• How do our bodies use energy during exercise?
• How do our bodies deal with changes in temperature?
• How do our bodies maintain water balance?

Topic 1: Introduction to Body Systems

• List and describe the basic body systems.
• Explain the hierarchical organization of the human body.
• Hypothesize why the marathon runner collapsed.
• Identify the skills required to be an athletic trainer.

Topic 2: Gas Exchange

• Explain how our bodies maintain homeostasis.
• Identify the parts of the respiratory system and circulatory systems.
• Explain how gas exchange works.
• Use a virtual simulation to model diffusion in the lungs.
• Identify the tools and skills required to be a pulmonologist.

Topic 3: Muscles and Energy

• Identify the macromolecules we get from our food.
• Summarize how muscles get, use, and store energy.
• Create and analyze blood glucose graphs.
• Identify the muscles involved in daily activities.
• Identify the skills required to be a medical laboratory scientist.

Topic 4: Thermoregulation

• Identify the muscles involved in daily activities.
• Identify the parts of the nervous system involved with thermoregulation.
• Use a model to explain the steps of thermoregulation.
• Identify the skills required to be a neurologist.

Topic 5: Osmoregulation

• Analyze our hydration habits
• Identify the organs of the excretory system and their functions.
• Conduct a virtual lab and analyze the tonicity of experimental groups.
• Develop models to explain osmoregulation in humans.
• Explain how homeostasis failed causing the marathon runner to collapse.

Unit 2: The Enigma of the Energy Slump (Topics 6-8)

Unit Level Essential Question

• What impacts our daily energy levels?

Topic 6: Nutrients

• Explain how and where nutrients are absorbed.
• Create a model of the digestive system.
• Research and present a poster about digestive system disorders.
• Analyze our own eating habits and identify foods that may cause an energy slump.
• Identify the skills required to be a dietician.

Topic 7: Stress

• Describe stressful situations in our own lives and describe coping mechanisms.
• Explain the role the endocrine system plays in regulating energy levels.
• Identify the hormones responsible for energy levels.
• Explain the impact of chronic stress.
• Identify the skills required to be an endocrinologist.

Topic 8: Sleep

• Explain the significance of sleep on our health and well-being.
• Research sleep stages and circadian rhythms.
• Identify parts of the brain and their functions.
• Identify lifestyle choices that may impact energy levels throughout the day.

Unit 3: The Case of the Tapping Teenager (Topics 9-11)

Unit Level Essential Questions

• What control do we have over our bodies?
• What happens if we lose control of our bodies?

Topic 9: Our Senses

• Identify and describe the five main senses.
• Explain how our brain interprets sensory information.
• Conduct experiments to learn about our senses.
• Describe what it means to have a sensory overload.
• Research and explain neurological conditions.

Topic 10: Internal Communications

• Describe why we sense illusions.
• Explain how neurons communicate.
• Describe the structure of a neuron.
• Explain how neurotransmitters work.
• Identify conditions when neurotransmitters are not functioning properly.

Topic 11: Motor Control

• Explain the connection between neurotransmitters, Tourette Syndrome and other co-occurring conditions.
• Identify the regions of the brain involved with motor control, and explain the function of each.
• Differentiate between upper and lower motor neurons.
• Explain the steps of a reflex arc and how it compares to voluntary movements and tics.
• Create an awareness brochure to educate the class about the biology behind TS.

Unit 4: The Case of the Coughing Classmate (Topics 12-15)

Unit Level Essential Question

• How do our bodies defend against unwanted pathogens?

Topic 12: The Innate Response

• Identify the impact of different diseases.
• Describe the parts of the innate immune response.
• Create a 3D model of the skin and explain its function.
• Explain how different pathogens can cause disease.
• Explain why we sneeze.

Topic 13: The Adaptive Response

• Research claims about products and identify scientific evidence to support or refute the claims.
• Identify and explain the steps, and key cells of the adaptive immune response.
• Explain the significance of the lymphatic system.
• Explain the role the cold has on our ability to catch a cold.

Topic 14: Immune System Disruptions

• Analyze viral or bacterial illnesses that could cause a chronic cough.
• Explain how allergies, autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies represent immune disruptions.
• Explain the signs and symptoms of asthma and how they might relate to the case study.
• Describe how our brains interpret pain.
• Prepare for the final exam.

Topic 15: Healthy Choices for the Future

• Reflect on your experience in this course.
• Take a final exam to demonstrate your understanding of course content.
• Provide feedback to VHS Learning.