WHS PLTW Human Body Systems

 In this advanced level biomedical course students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflexes, voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. This course requires students to work productively at a rapid pace while collaborating with peers or independently researching information when working through assignments, investigations, and projects.

Unit

Timeframe

Driving Questions

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

Unit 1: Identity

8 weeks

  1. How do different body systems work together to complete specific functions, such as movement and communication?

  2. What is the advantage of using regional and directional terms when discussing location in the body?

  3. How does the structure of specific human tissue provide clues to its function in the human body?

  4. How do all tissues in the body contribute to the identity of a person? 

  5. How does the general and minute structure of the skeleton contribute to an individual’s identity?

  6. How can technology be used to diagnose injury to bone?

  7. What role does DNA play in human identity?

  8. How can molecular biology techniques be used to compare the DNA of two individuals? 

  1. Maniken Face Build

  2. X-Ray Vision: diagnosing bone fracture types

  3. Looking Inside Bone: Cow Long Bone Dissection

  4. Bone Detectives: Forensic Anthropology

  5. DNA Detectives: Identifying a Missing Person

Unit 2: Communication

9 weeks

  1. What are the consequences of miscommunication in the human body?

  2. How does understanding the structure and function of the human brain help with diagnosis of disease? 

  3. What would happen in the body if the action of neurotransmitters was impaired?

  4. Why does reaction time typically differ in reflex and voluntary actions?

  5. How do the systems of the human body work together to facilitate gas exchange?

  6. How can analysis of lung capacity be used to diagnose or treat a patient?

  7. How can an individual improve or damage their lung function?

  8. How do the eye and the brain work together to process what we see?

  9. How does an error in the structure or function of the eye relate to disease or dysfunction? 

  10. How does information received through sight initiate a response in other body systems? 

  11. How can new technology improve human vision? 

  1. Maniken Central Nervous System Build

  2. Map-a-Brain: Paper Brain Caps and Sheep Brain dissection

  3. Its All in the Reflexes & Reaction Time Lab

  4. Communication Breakdown: Diagnosing Neurological Conditions

  5. Hormones Gone Wild: Diagnosing Hormone Imbalances

  6. Exploring the Anatomy of the Eye: Cow Eye Dissection