Human Body Systems Project
Human Body Systems Project
Human Body Systems Project
By Eva McLanahan
Students will work in groups to research one of the eleven body systems as found in Holt,
Rinehart, and Winston Modern Biology (2002). Research will focus on the structure and function
of the major organs in the assigned body system. Each group will be responsible for a visual aid
to be used in a presentation to the class. In addition, each individual in a group will be
responsible for researching and presenting information on one disease associated with their
assigned body system.
Primary Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to name the eleven human body systems and their functions.
Students will be able to identify the organs and structural parts present in each system
(i.e. circulatory: heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries).
Students will be able to describe the basic structure of the major organs in each system.
Students will recognize different diseases associated with the body systems.
Additional Learning Outcomes
Students will enhance their research and presentation capabilities.
Assessed Georgia Performance Standards:
Habits of Mind
SCSh6. Students will communicate scientific investigations and information clearly.
The Nature of Science
SCSh9. Students will enhance reading in all curriculum areas
Co-Requisite Content
SB1. Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions
in living cells.
a. Explain the role of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including
the cell membrane, in maintaining homeostasis and cell reproduction.
SB2. Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
a. Distinguish between DNA and RNA.
b. Explain the role of DNA in storing and transmitting cellular information.
SB3. Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms
and the increasing complexity of systems.
a. Relate the complexity and organization of organisms to their ability for obtaining,
transforming, transporting, releasing, and eliminating the matter and energy used to
sustain the organism.
SB4. Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of
energy and matter within their ecosystems.
f. Relate animal adaptations, including behaviors, to the ability to survive stressful
environmental conditions.
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Procedures/Activities
Step: 1 Duration: 10-15 minutes
Form groups and assign body system.
Attachments for Step 1
Title: Human Body Systems Project Handout (page 3 of this file)
Description: Student handout for human body systems project.
Step: 2 Duration: Varies (three 90 minute class periods)
Students conduct research on assigned body system and chosen associated disease. Research can
be conducted in the library or on the internet.
Step: 3 Duration: Varies (two 90 minute class periods)
Groups present the final stage of their project using at least one visual aid. All students will
complete a chart on each body system while listening to the presentations.
Attachments for Step 3
Title: Presentation Rubric (page 7 of this file)
Description: Grading rubric for the oral presentation.
Title: Body systems chart (pages 4-5 of this file; sample key on page 6)
Description: Chart for students to complete while listening to presentations.
Materials and Equipment
Reference material, poster board or butcher paper, pencils, markers, color pencils
Total Duration
1 week (five 90 minute class periods)
Technology Connection
Internet research, potential use of PowerPoint presentations as visual rather than poster board or
butcher paper
Assessment
Presentation skills, presentation content, completion of body systems chart, quiz
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Points
20
25
45
Presentation
10
100
Page 3 of 7
Major Structures
Name _______________________________
Functions
Associated Diseases
Page 4 of 7
System
Major Structures
Name _______________________________
Functions
Associated Diseases
Page 5 of 7
Major Structures
Skeletal
bones
Muscular
Integumentary
Cardiovascular
Respiratory
Immune
Digestive
Excretory
Nervous
Endocrine
Reproductive
Functions
provides structure; supports and protects internal
organs
provides structure; supports and moves trunk and
limbs; moves substances through body
protects against pathogens; helps regulate body
temperature
transports nutrients and wastes to and from all body
tissues
carries air into and out of lungs, where gases (oxygen
and carbon dioxide) are exchanged
Associated Diseases
Answers will vary
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All required
information is
presented.
Presentation is well
organized and easy
to follow.
Transition between
topics is smooth.
Eye contact is made
EYE CONTACT throughout the
entire presentation.
No part of the
presentation is read.
Visual aid is
creative, colorful,
VISUAL AID
easy to read, and
used effectively.
Presentation is loud
and given at a slow
VOICE
pace thats easy to
follow.
Individual
participated and
INDIVIDUAL
PARTICIPATION worked well in
his/her group
ORGANIZATION
GOOD
(3)
FAIR
(2)
POOR
(1)
Some of the
required
information is
presented.
Presentation is
somewhat organized
but hard to follow.
No eye contact is
made throughout the
entire presentation
and all of it is read.
Presentation is
organized and easy
to follow but
transition between
topics is not smooth.
Eye contact is made
throughout most of
the presentation.
Some of the
presentation is read.
Visual aid is
colorful, readable
and used somewhat
effectively.
Presentation is
audible and given at
a good pace.
Individual
participated but did
not work well in the
group
Presentation is very
unorganized and
difficult to follow.
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