Anatomy and Physiology
Organization of the Human Body
The unit is focused on the discovery of how healthcare professionals communicate with each other about how the human body is organized. Students will investigate the meanings and applications of various directional and landmark vocabulary that will be important to know in subsequent units. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of feedback mechanisms and homeostasis gained from a prior course in Biology as they investigate how each body system is reliant upon other body systems in order to function properly. The culminating assessment for this unit will be a student-created reference website that clearly explains a specific body system and correctly and appropriately uses anatomical terms. Important to note, this course is largely a student-directed, self-paced investigation of body systems of the students' choosing. Some units incorporate dissections, others do not. However, throughout the course, there will be an ongoing teacher-led dissection that will allow students the opportunity to examine all of a mammal’s body systems. If students prefer not to dissect or not to look at the teacher-led dissection, alternate learning experiences will be provided.
Profile of a Graduate Capacities: Product Creation
Nervous System or Cardiovascular System
After performing experiments regarding the nervous and cardiovascular systems, the students will have the choice of which system they would like to investigate in depth. The nervous system unit will include an investigation of one sense of the student's choice. The cardiovascular system unit will include an investigation of a cardiovascular disease. Throughout the unit, students will work to uncover the details of their chosen system and develop a model and website to explain the structures and functions of the body system. The website, which will include the student-developed model, will be used for the summative assessment in which students will analyze a case study and determine the physiological cause of the symptoms. This unit will include a dissection. If a student does not want to participate in a dissection, they may opt to perform an alternate assignment.
Profile of a Graduate Capacities: Product Creation
Endocrine or Musculoskeletal System
After viewing images of the manifestations of various endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders, the students will have the choice of which system and disorder they would like to investigate in depth. Throughout the unit, students will work to uncover the details of their chosen system and develop a model and website to explain the structures and functions of the body system. The website, which will include the student-developed model, will be used for the summative assessment in which students will analyze a case study and determine the physiological cause of the symptoms.
Profile of a Graduate Capacities: Analyzing
Respiratory System or Digestive System
After performing experiments focused on the respiratory and digestive systems, the students will have the choice of which system they would like to investigate in depth. Throughout the unit, students will work to uncover the details of their chosen system and develop a model and website to explain the structures and functions of the body system. The website, which will include the student-developed model, will be used for the summative assessment in which students will analyze a case study and determine the physiological cause of the symptoms.
Profile of a Graduate Capacities: Analyzing
Blood or Immune Systems
After engaging in learning activities focused on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, the students will have the choice of which system they would like to investigate in depth. Throughout the unit, students will work to uncover the details of their chosen system and develop a model and website to explain the structures and functions of the body system. The website, which will include the student-developed model, will be used for the summative assessment in which students will analyze a case study and determine the physiological cause of the symptoms.
Profile of a Graduate Capacities: Analyzing