Dear Family Member or Caregiver,

In the Topic “Body Systems: Energy and Defense”, students learn about human body systems. The experiences in this topic are:

• Experience 1: The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

• Experience 2: The Digestive and Urinary Systems

• Experience 3: The Integumentary and Immune Systems

In Experience 1, students identify and model the main functions of the human circulatory and respiratory systems. In Experience 2, students identify and model the main functions of the digestive and urinary systems. Finally, in Experience 3, students identify and model the main functions of the integumentary and immune systems.

The main content TEKS covered in this topic are:

• 7.13A: Identify and model the main functions of the systems of the human organism, including the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, nervous, immune, and endocrine

systems.

And the main SEPs and Recurring Themes and Concepts TEKS are:

• 7.1G: Develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to engineering problems.

• 7.3A: Develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models and consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories.

• 7.5D: Examine and model the parts of a system and their interdependence in the function of the system.

• 7.5F: Analyze and explain the complementary relationship between structure and function of objects, organisms, and systems.

To launch this topic, students consider how athletes know when their body is competition ready. Students also consider the amount of time and effort needed for proper training.

One of the best ways for students to check on their learning is to explain it to someone else. Ask your student about their class experiences, and ask them to explain the content that they are learning while at school in their own words or, if relevant, in their first language.

Research has shown that students do better in school when supported by those around them. Together you can have fun, learn interesting science concepts, and help your student Experience Science!

Cordially, Mrs. McNeil