The Human Body
Syllabus
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 (Weeks 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?
Week 1: Introduction to Body Systems
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 2: Gas Exchange
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Discuss 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.
Week 3: Muscles and Energy
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 4: Thermoregulation
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 5: Osmoregulation
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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 (Weeks 6-8)
Unit Level Essential Question
- What impacts our daily energy levels?
Week 6: Nutrients
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 7: Stress
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Describe stressful situations in our own lives and discuss 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.
Week 8: Sleep
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Explain the significance of sleep on our health and well-being.
- Research and discuss 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 (Weeks 9-11)
Unit Level Essential Questions
- What control do we have over our bodies?
- What happens if we lose control of our bodies?
Week 9: Our Senses
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 10: Internal Communications
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 11: Motor Control
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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 (Weeks 12-15)
Unit Level Essential Question
- How do our bodies defend against unwanted pathogens?
Week 12: The Innate Response
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 13: The Adaptive Response
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 14: Immune System Disruptions
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Analyze viral or bacterial illnesses that could cause a chronic cough.
- Explain how allergies, autoimmune disorders and immuno deficiencies represent immune disruptions.
- Explain the signs and symptoms of asthma and how they might relate to the case study.
- Discuss how our brains interpret pain.
- Prepare for final exam.
Week 15: Healthy Choices for the Future
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Reflect on your experience in this course.
- Take a final exam to demonstrate your understanding of course content.
- Provide feedback to VHS Learning.