5-8

C5: Describe how body systems work together.

Curriculum Organizing Questions	In what ways are these systems influencing one another? What are the inputs and outputs of this system? What are some of the ways the system outputs information to other systems? What are some of the ways the system inputs information from other systems? What role does the brain play in influencing this system? What are some of the hormones in this system?
Elaboration	At the middle school level students need not memorize details of specific system interactions, but a variety of body systems should be used to illustrate the general principles.
Specific Ideas	The human organism has systems for digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation, excretion, movement, control and coordination, and for protection from disease. These systems interact with one another. NSES C1e Communication between cells is required to coordinate their diverse activities. Benchmarks 6C3 (gr 9-12) Hormones are chemicals from glands that affect other body parts. Benchmarks 6C5 The brain gets signals from all parts of the body telling what is going on there. The brain also sends signals to parts of the body to influence what they do. Benchmarks 6C4 (gr 3-5)
Developmental & Instructional Implications	Even after instruction students may have difficulty understanding the role of the brain in controlling involuntary behavior. Drive pgs. 46-47 Students may benefit from thinking about systems both as sequences of changes over time and as inputs and outputs. Benchmarks pgs. 355 It may help to look at the more sophisticated ideas expected at the 9-12 level in content standard C to get a better feel for the detail level students should be accountable for here. Coordinate with health curriculum.
Examples

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