In this unit we did two projects in order to learn about homeostasis and what it does for the human body. We studied the scientific method which we based one of our projects off of, and then were assigned to prove homeostasis in a certain part of the body. In our first assignment we were instructed to use scientific method to decide whether or not an advertisement was misleading or not. For our second project we used the scientific method to do experiments on our own bodies in order to prove homeostasis in certain body systems.

Content

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a system of eight steps that can be used to obtain and analyze data. (establishing the question/problem, observing/researching, making a hypothesis, creating an experiment, collecting data, analyzing said data, making a conclusion, and reporting findings.)

Independent Variable

An independent variable is a variable in a functional relation wherein the value is not affected by other variables. It is to be manipulated and observed within an experiment to find results and data.

Dependent Variable

A dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. It is dependent on the independent variable and can not exist without it.

Control Group

The control group is the group of subject that receives no treatment or a standardized treatment and is the baseline for the experiment in question.

Experimental Group

The experimental group is a group that receives a treatment in an experiment. It is changed or altered in order to get a different set of data from the control group.

Trial

A trial is the act of trying or testing in any manner in order to find results. For example, in our blood pressure project, we had four different trials because we had four different people testing their blood pressure 15 minutes before doing their homework, 15 minutes into doing their homework and 15 minutes after.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on previous research done in order to find results for a trial. Our hypothesis in our blood pressure project was that by doing our homework, we would be able to show that blood pressure and prove homeostasis.

Reflection

I felt that I did well working collaboratively in my group. My group split up the workload well and we used our time wisely. I also felt that our communication was very good. We talked about how we were going to handle the job at hand together before even starting. I think on my next project I want to work on being more creative. These projects had more room for creativity then the macromolecule projects but I feel that I didnt take advantage of it as well as I could have.