Ms. Skelton's 8th Grade Science : Exploring the Human Organ Systems

In this week's lesson, students will become familiar with the 11 organ systems that are crucial within the human body and become a master of one of the systems!

California Content Standards: Structure and Function in Living Systems
"The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals illustrate the complementary nature of structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept:
     a. Students know plants and animals have levels of organization for structure and function, including cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.
     b. Students know organ systems function because of the contributions of individual organs, tissues, and cells. The failure of any part can affect the entire system.
     c. Students know how bones and muscles work together to provide a structural framework for movement." (State Board of Education, 2006)

Lesson Introduction

Earlier this year we discussed the function and parts of the plants and animal cell. We began an introduction of how cells work together to form tissues, and tissues form organs. This video introduces the idea of organs working together to form organ systems and puts those relationships into perspective to make up a living planet.

Making Sense of How Life Fits Together Video

Now that you have an idea of the pyramid of life, let's dig deeper into the organ systems. Watch this animated video brought to you by the Amoeba Sisters introducing and outlining the 11 organ systems of the human body.

      Human Body Systems Video

Threaded Reflection

Please read Chapter 13, Sections 1, 2, 3 and take Cornell notes in your science journal. In this week's treaded reflection, respond to the Amoeba Sister's video. Tell us which system seems most interesting to you. You might have broken a bone and find the skeletal system to be the most fascinating. Our classroom is a safe environment to share your feelings and personal experiences, so take the opportunity to do so. Refer to the section in Chapter 13 that discusses the organ system and use at least 1 direct quote or paraphrase using correct citation. (Reflection due Wednesday 9pm).

This is where you will choose what organ system you will master. There can only be a maximum of three students per organ system, so students who read and respond promptly have the best chance of researching and mastering their first choice system.

Vocabulary Development

Complete this crossword puzzle to demonstrate your understanding of the Chapter 13 vocabulary. The puzzle directly alignes with the textbook, so I encourage you to use your book and glossary to complete the assignment. Be sure to log in with your name and school to get credit. (Crossword due Friday 9pm)

      Chapter 13 Crossword

You may want to use these online flashcards to learn our unit vocabulary and quiz yourself.

      Chapter 13 Flashcard Tool

Additional resources for you to explore:

This interactive link offers tons of interesting facts about the human organ systems. You can place muscles and bones in their correct location on the body. Have fun exploring!

Science Interactive Body

Vocabulary Crossword	Max 10 pts
Student logged in, attempted crossword and saved their work.	5 pts
Student answered vocabulary questions correctly. 0.5 pts deducted for every wrong answer.	5 pts

Unit Project

For your unit project you will research one of the 11 organ systems that are vital to the human body. You may choose to work with one other classmate and may want to collaborate using Google Docs or Blackboard to share your desktop.

You will research and become a master of your system and display your findings to your classmates using a technologically creative technique of your choosing.

Some project ideas include but are not limited to: PowerPoint presentation, a creative/narrative essay, music video, comic strip, ect. Also, you can check out these creative forums:

      Board Builder
               Create a digital poster board, including videos, pictures, and text.
           Voice Thread
                 Artistically represent your material and use voice narration to teach your classmates.

Your presentation must include the following:
Function and location of your organ system within the human body
Key terms/ key organs that make up the systems
Possible diseases that can harm the system and the body, and ways to keep it healthy
Anything else that you wish to share!

Rubric

Unit Project	Max 50 pts.
Student included all of the information outlined in this project: Name of system, location of system, function, harmful illnesses and healthy tips.	25 pts.
Information is clearly displayed. Project is free from spelling and grammatical errors.	10 pts.
Student creativity is shown. Student included additional interesting facts.	10 pts.
Correctly cite sources used for the project	5 pts.