Exploring Living Systems and Their Response to Disease

Introduction

What are the body's defence mechanisms for defending against infection? 

 

Task

In your lab groups, you will be exploring the body’s defence mechanisms to protect against invading pathogens. You will be investigating the immune system and will identify how it works, what it is made up of, and how it protects the body from disease.

 

Process

Step 1: Brainstorm Activity

  • In your lab groups, reflect on previous lessons and brainstorm what you currently know about diseases and their causes.

Step 2: Online Research Activity 

Have you ever been told that your glands are swollen when you have had an infection? Why do you think this is? 

  • Click on the computer in the bottom right hand corner to explore the immune system.
  • Read through each of the slides and access the attached videos and readings to strengthen your understanding. 

Step 3: Research Questions 

  • Open the Google Doc from your email sent by your teacher to access your lab group’s questions. All group members are to contribute to completing the questions.
  • Use the Defending against infection activity slides to complete the questions. 
  • Each group will be allocated a specific component of the immune system. You will need to describe its function within the immune system and how it helps to protect the body. 

Step 4: Class Discussion 

  • During the class discussion, each group is to give a brief explanation of the immune system component allocated to them by their teacher.
  • Discuss the location of the organ/system and its role in the immune system. 

Evaluation

Once you have completed the Google Doc questions in your lab groups, email your teacher a copy of your responses for grading/feedback. 

Credits

Science by Doing. (2019). Activity 3.4: Defending against infection. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebydoing.edu.au/curriculum/teacher/ecosystems-and-change/student-page/part3/activity4