Modeling Activities for Human Body Systems

Michelle Varnau

St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School

Santa Clara, CA

Modeling Activities

o Models with Inquiry Purposeo 5th & 7th Grade CA State Science Standardso Next Generation Science Standards

o Sample Modelso Osmosis Cell Containerso Lung Bottleso Respiratory Disease

Strawso Skeletal Pastao Rubber Band Tendonso Intestinal Tapes

o Esophagus Model Labo Resources

Inquiry with Models

1998California State SS

Students Know…

2013 DRAFTNext Generation SS

Students demonstrate understanding…

o Going beyond labeled pieces of a model.o Student construction and creativity skills.o Using science and engineering practices.

Cell Models

Diffusion with Food Coloring

Osmosis with tubing connectors

Respiration Models

Lungs BottlesWithout using a y-connector, how can two small balloons be added?

Respiration Disease StrawsDemonstrating breathing with constricting airways.

Skeletal Models

Skeletal Pasta Backbone model then deciding how to attach the other bones.

Rubber Band Hand Tendons – overuse with typing and video game movements

Digestive Models

Intestinal TapesMeasure out distance of digestive track with old video tapes or adding machine paper.

Esophagus Balloon ModelSample Kit

Esophagus Model

Esophagus LocationMeasure about 25cm from throat to chest area.

Model MaterialsRocket balloon, scissors, marbles, liquids, and hand motions

Predicting Ease of Peristalsis Motiondry, water, dish soap, oil

Dry Balloon

With ends of balloon cut off, work in pairs to move marble through dry balloon.

Repeat with smaller marble.

Notice hand movement needed to get sphere down the tube.

Wet Balloon

Place marble and balloon in a small bowl of water to allow the inside to be completely wet. Use towels for clean up of extra drips.

Repeat peristalsis movement with larger marble in the tube.

Notice if it is easier or harder than the dry balloon.

Wet Balloon

Add a few drops of dish soap on the inside of the balloon and spread around.

Repeat peristalsis motion with marble and notice if easier or harder or the same as the water.

The Real Esophagus

Saliva’s Role Small Portions

Smooth and Striated Muscles Involuntary Muscles

Resources

Reuse or Recyclable Materials

Restaurant Supply and Toy Stores

ESS AIMS RAFT

Materials Curriculum