Introduction
Suppose you are a part of a sports science team who is preparing an elite athlete for the Olympics. In order to prepare them for peak performance, you will need to understand how body systems (digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, and nervous system) work together. It would be hard to create effective training, nutrition, and recovery regimes without knowing this information.
In this WebQuest, you will play researcher in exploring the interactions of body systems as they maintain life.
Task
As a team, you are tasked with explaining how two human body systems work together to maintain the body’s functioning. You need to create a digital presentation or a short video that explains how TWO human body systems work
You Will:
1. Describe the structure and function of each.
2. Identify the organs and processes involved.
3. Explain using text and diagrams how the two systems work together (ie. respiratory + circulatory systems in delivering oxygen).
4. Relate this to a real-life experience (ie. exercise, digestion, reflex action).
Process
1. Gather in groups of 3 and assign roles for your project.
2. Research your systems using the links below
3. Create a fact sheet: organs, function, diagrams, key terms.
4. Make a system map to illustrate how the two systems are connected.
5. Create your digital product (Google Slides, Canva, short video or narrated infographic).
6. Present your findings to the class.
Evaluation
|
Criteria |
Above Standard |
Consolidating Standard |
Meeting Standard |
Working Towards Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Scientific Accuracy |
Thorough, detailed, accurate explanation of both systems and their interaction. |
Mostly accurate with minor errors. |
Basic explanation with gaps. |
Inaccurate or incomplete. |
|
Clarity & Communication |
Digital product is engaging, clear, and well-structured. |
Mostly clear and logical. |
Some unclear parts. |
Hard to follow lack of relevance. |
|
Use of Resources |
Wide range of sources used and cited. |
Some sources used, limited referencing. |
Few sources used. Not accurately referenced. |
No sources cited. |
|
Collaboration |
Excellent teamwork roles clearly shared. |
Good teamwork; some uneven contribution. |
Uneven teamwork. |
Minimal contribution. |
Conclusion
During this task you learned that body systems do not function separately but rely on each other to support health and performance. Scientists and doctors and sports trainers use this understanding day to day to optimise health and performance. Think about your learning:
Which interaction of systems impressed you?
How might this knowledge be put in to practice in your own life?
Are there any questions you still have or would like to find out about the systems you researched?
Credits
Khan Academy. Human Anatomy & Physiology. Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/
Kenhub. Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology Articles. Retrieved from: https://www.kenhub.com/
Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/
Teacher Page
Year Level: Year 8
Curriculum Links:
Biological Sciences (VC2S8U03): The structure of cells, tissues and organs in a plant and an animal organ system are related to their function; plant and animal organ systems enable survival of the organism.
Science Inquiry Skills - Communicating (VC2S8I08): Communicating ideas, findings and arguments for specific purposes and audiences involves the selection and use of appropriate presentation formats, scientific vocabulary, models and other representations, and may include the use of digital tools
General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, ICT Capability, and Literacy.
Timeframe: 3 x 50 min lessons (research, product making, presentation).
Differentiation:
Support: Provide fact sheets, diagrams, and word banks to support their research.
Extension: Have students model how a total of three systems interact (ex. respiratory + circulatory + muscular systems related to exercise).