Death By Water Unit

NGSS Performance Expectations addressed in this unit:

HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

HS-LS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

Essential question about phenomenon/unit:

    • How does matter and information flow within and between the different levels of organization in a living organism (like humans)?
    • How do feedback mechanisms work to maintain a living system’s internal conditions?
    • What are the consequences of moving outside an organism’s range?
    • What role does the cell membrane play in the flow of matter within a living organism?
    • How are concentration gradients used to move materials through a system?

Unit Introduction and Initial Models

Where Am I Going?

Students will develop a model to explain why Nick became comatose. Students will use observations to support their model.

How will I know When I'm There?

1. I can analyze evidence to come up with a claim.

2. I can support my claim with 3 pieces of evidence.

3. I can visually show why Nick’s body was shutting down.

Homeostasis Unit Intro Video.mpg

Background Story

Watch through the intro video without taking any notes.

Create a T-chart in your lab notebook, watch through the video again and record observations about Nick and Brandon.

Bursting Red Blood Cells.mp4

Red Blood Cells

Watch the video again, focus on 1 red blood cell. Record your observations. What do you think is causing this to happen to Nick’s blood?

If this is happening to Nick’s blood cells, what is happening to the rest of his bodies cells?

Urine Analysis

Observe Nick and Brandon’s urine samples.Focus on the color of each sample and what that means for their hydration level

What do these observations tell you about their conditions?

Homeostasis Initial Model 2.0.docx

Creating an Initial Model

Create a model of what is happening to Nick during practice that resulted in him passing out and falling into a coma.

Scientific Question:

How could drinking water cause Nick to pass out during practice?