This resource is intended to support Tier 1 classroom instruction. The lesson focus is Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills B(11)(A), which states that the student is expected to describe the role of internal feedback mechanisms in the maintenance of homeostasis. As with most instructional materials, it is up to the teacher to know how to integrate the resource into instruction in a way that best meets the learning needs of the students.
This resource is formatted using the 5 E lesson model. However, it is not intended to be a complete 5 E lesson. As the instructional designer, you may want to include additional components, such as formative and summative assessments, discussion questions, or additional projects that help students further explore supporting concepts. The following is a brief description of each section so that you can plan accordingly.
Engage: Take a Deep Breath!
Students answer the following question: "When you hold your breath until you can't hold it anymore, what is the first thing you do, inhale or exhale?" After they answer the question, they read a blog that explains how the body tracks the amount of carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, in the blood. The Engage sets up the investigations in the Explore.
Explore: Evidence of Systems in Place
In this section, there are several investigations for students to perform individually or in groups of two. Students must answer questions about changes in pulse and respiratory rates as well as thermoregulation. The materials are minimal but the students must create their own data tables and graphs. As an option, students may change the parameters of the investigations as long as they are able to record valid data and draw conclusions that help them describe the role of feedback systems.
Explain: How It Works
Students watch a video that explains positive and negative feedback systems. It might be a great time to reexamine data from the investigations in the Explore in case students need to revamp their explanations.
Elaborate: Control Central
Students are given a chance to act as a systems controller in order to maintain the homeostatic levels of a virtual person. This interactive is probably best utilized under conditions where each student has his or her own digital device on which to play. Consider assigning the activity as homework if you are not able to schedule time in a computer lab. The last activity is a film that provides scientific vocabulary and interactive checkpoints for the learner.
Be sure to View Related Items at the bottom of the screen for additional resources, videos, and links. These can be used to differentiate instruction for a variety of learners.