1. Putting the HoMEostasis in Unit Plan Presentation Christopher Duncan

2. Unit Plan Summary Using group project presentations students in this unit will examine some of the processes involved in maintaining balance in the human body. The students will then consider the characteristics of the human composition that allow for stable internal conditions. Students will apply what they have learned by studying how the human body reacts when this balance is disrupted drastically.

3. Why use Projects? WHAT IS PROJECT BASED LEARNING? Project based learning is an instructional model where the student is at the center of learning. The student has more autonomy and is given a complex problem or question which he or she has to solve through a collaborative procedure. The aim is to expand knowledge and skills of science through comprehensive assignments which will promote student inquiry and authentic demonstrations of learning. The curriculum is driven by curriculum-framing questions that unite content standards and higher order thinking to the real world. WHY USE PROJECT BASED LEARNING? Project based learning is exceptionally helpful in connecting students with learning and the subject matter content. This association leads to mastery of academic material as well as self confidence in future scholastic endeavors. Project based learning also increases focus, discipline, self motivation, active inquiry and higher planes of thought. Students are also given the opportunity to cultivate their ability to communicate, collaborate and organize effectively.

4. Curriculum Framing Questions Essential Question Why is it vital to have balance? Unit Questions To what extent does the human body seek balance? Evaluate what would happen if the human body became instable? Content Questions Clarify what is homeostasis? Formulate how feedback loops in the endocrine and nervous systems regulate the environment in the human body? Interpret which hormones supply internal feedback instruments that sustain homeostasis at the cellular and organ level?

5. Targeted California Content Standards As a result of the coordinated structures and functions of organ systems, the internal environment of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite changes in the outside environment. As a basis for understanding this concept: Students know how feedback loops in the nervous and endocrine systems regulate conditions in the body. Students know how the complementary activity of major body systems provides cells with oxygen and nutrients and removes toxic waste products such as carbon dioxide. Students know how hormones (including digestive, reproductive, osmoregulatory) provide internal feedback mechanisms for homeostasis at the cellular level and in whole organisms.

6. My Goals for this Unit Have my students learn the appropriate content standards Promote new innovative ways of learning science that is exciting Encourage critical and higher order thinking Incorporate new technology to elevate discovery Integrate suitable assessments to gauge student needs

7. Student Goals To become more critical thinkers Learn content standards To develop into enhanced autonomous pupils Enhance their ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral form. Increase their 21 st century skills.

8. Assessment: Gauging Student Needs –Purpose of the Assessment –To obtain information about what my students know and what the want to learn about homeostasis. –What I want to learn from my students? –To find their level of technological skills and general knowledge of human anatomy and physiology using KWHL charts and Brainstorming. –How to promote higher-order thinking? –Through collaborative efforts with classmates students will analyze and critically solve unit and content questions. –How can the assessment information help me and my students plan for upcoming activities in the unit? –It will allow me to gauge where my students as a group are on knowledge and plan appropriately for upcoming activities. –Additional feedback? –Any feedback on how to improve my assessment or project would be greatly appreciated.

9. Project Summary In a group effort students will prepare presentations on homeostasis. The group will gather information regarding major organ systems and what negative feedback loops are involved in regulating balance in the body. They will also describe the major hormones and the roles they play in maintaining equilibrium. The students will also elucidate homeostasis by illustrating the destructive effects of imbalance in the human body.