Unit Overview
How does the human body maintain dynamic equilibrium and respond to internal and external changes in its environment?
Humans are complex organisms that maintain a narrow set of stable internal conditions through a system of feedback and communication mechanisms among multiple organ systems. In this unit, students are presented with the story of a woman who collapsed after successfully completing a marathon. In order to figure out what happened to her, they plan and conduct investigations related to how body systems interact to effectively monitor and respond to both internal and external environmental changes. Students develop and use models to illustrate processes that occur in the human body in order to maintain homeostasis, including gas exchange, glucose regulation, thermoregulation, and maintaining water balance. They use their final model to write an explanation for what happened to the marathon runner.
Performance Expectations:
HS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-3, HS-LS1-7
An earlier version of this unit was reviewed by the EQuIP Peer Review Panel for Science. It was rated as “Example of High Quality NGSS Design if Improved.” The version below has incorporated revisions based on this review, as well as feedback from teachers who have used the unit.
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Unit Storyline
Unit Opening
Gas Exchange and Cellular Respiration
Muscles & Energy
Human Thermoregulation
Water Balance
Unit Closing
Why would a marathon runner become disoriented during the race, then go into a coma shortly after running the race?
Did the marathon runner run out of breath or not get enough oxygen? Why do we breathe faster when we exercise?
Did the marathon runner’s muscles get tired? How do our bodies use energy during exercise?
Was the marathon runner overheated? How do our bodies deal with changes in temperature?
Was the marathon runner dehydrated? How do our bodies maintain water balance?
Why would a marathon runner become disoriented during the race, then go into a coma shortly after running the race?
In addition to the unit Performance Task, this unit includes a mid-unit formative task and an end-of-unit transfer task, both designed to serve as individual assessments that are part of a broader assessment system. Request access to these assessments or learn more about our assessment system using the buttons below.
Essential Documents
A collection of printable materials required for activities, rubrics, and work samples for the unit.