Life Cycle - Human Biology (1B)
Pre Lab 

   
OBJECTIVES:
  • Comparing body systems.
  • Learning about the circulatory system.
VOCABULARY:
  • body system
  • circulation
MATERIALS:
  • Human Body Placemats

Students discuss the function of each body system.

BACKGROUND:

There are many systems in the human body, and each has a different function and most work together to make the body work.  Different authors separate the body systems into varying groups, so use your judgment on how you wish to present the material.   The table below summaries the major systems that we recommend for small children.

In lab students will investigate their circulatory systems.
 

SYSTEM FUNCTION/PARTS
skeletal-muscular (bones and muscles) protects organs, enables movement, skeleton, muscles
circulatory (blood) moves fluids in our bodies through veins and arteries, heart, capillaries (this system also includes lymphatic fluids, but not discussed until later grades)
renal or excretory (urea and fecal matter) controls water balance; bladder, urinary tract
endocrine (hormones) regulates most of body functions using glands
digestive (food) converts food to energy, stomach, mouth
nervous (nerves) gathers information, controls most body activities
respiratory (lungs) breathing, lungs

PROCEDURE:

  1. Go over some of these systems with students so they can become familiar with their various functions. Use the table above to discuss with students the function of the various systems in the body. 
      
  2. Students should use the  Human Body Placemats to find the major parts of the system.  The important part is for students to hear and say the words.  Do not have students memorize each system.
     
  3. Emphasize the circulation system as that is the system they will investigate in lab.

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