Homeostasis Investigation

Task

In this unit, we learned about what makes up the human body. Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems are all important parts that help our body function properly. All of our organ systems work together to achieve homeostasis. Throughout the course of this unit, we conducted many experiments and labs that helped us understand these concepts better.

Final Homeostasis Investigation Project

For this project, each group was assigned to research and present one way our bodies achieve homeostasis. We first started learning about the different ways this occurs while also thinking about the concepts it takes to test this. My group, me, Katie, Sadie, and Ruth, decided to research how the body achieves homeostasis in terms of heart rate. We researched background information on this and chose a way to test it in order to prove that the heart rate speeds up to achieve homeostasis. We determined what our independent variable, dependent variable, and control group would be in this experiment. As for the actual experiment, we recorded our heart rates before and after running for a specific amount of time. After recording our data, we did a lab write up, following the steps of the scientific method. We then presented it in an organized manner and revised our presentation after receiving feedback. This allowed for us to have a deeper understanding of what went well and what didn't while also retaining the information.

Copy of Homeostasis Hypothesis

Copy of Poster template

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems that work together, creating equilibrium. It allows organisms to function off of a number of variables being kept within certain pre-set limits. This was the basis of our investigation and labs.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an educated guess of what will happen. It is a testable and quantifiable statement. For our experiment, our hypothesis that we tested was that if a person has a low heart rate while resting, then their heart rate will increase after running, achieving homeostasis.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a procedure in which a hypothesis has been formulated and accurate data has been tested and recorded. It includes eight steps, which are question, research, hypothesize, experiment, collect data, analyze data, conclude, and report findings. We applied the scientific method while conducting our research.

Trial

A trial is the act of testing something in order to accumulate accurate results. For our project, we recorded multiple trials of different people running, recorded the results, and compared them to each other to obtain valid results.

Equilibrium

Equilibrium is the condition in which all acting influences are balanced, resulting in a stable system. This term correlates to homeostasis, as it is a dynamic equilibrium.

Independent Variable

The independent variable in an experiment changes as it is manipulated and observed to record data and determine results. In our experiment, the independent variable was the amount of time a person ran.

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable in an experiment is the component that is being measured. In our experiment, the dependent variable was the recorded heart rates after running.

Control Group

A control group is the group that acts as the baseline of the experiment, as they receive no treatment. Our control group was our resting heart rate.

Experimental Group

An experimental group is the group that is exposed to the independent variable, as they receive the treatment. Our experimental group was the people who ran and recorded their heart rates after running.

Reflection

Throughout the course of this unit, I felt that I grew and developed as a part of a group working together to complete a project. Transitioning to hybrid in-person school made this project more fun and easier to conduct the experiment. I was able to work with my group face-to-face and grasp the information we learned in class.

Personally, I think I worked strongly in the areas of collaboration and communication. My group and I efficiently finished our assignment with little to no problems. I feel that when the time came, I was able to take initiative and portray a leadership role when necessary. I cooperated smoothly with my peers. We were productive and kept a strong work ethic. Additionally, we were all able to clearly communicate and solve any problems. When there was something missing or something that we needed to do, our group came together to get it done in an orderly manner. Being in-person class for this experiment made this project much easier as well.

However, I found myself lacking as a conscientious learner and in the ability to think critically. Although I recognized when to take initiative, I think that we could have managed our time better. I found myself revising some parts of our presentation at the last minute, which was stressful and difficult. Additionally, I forgot to implement the correct control group into the presentation. It was a simple mistake that could have been fixed if I was thinking critically. For the following projects, I will keep this in mind and make it my goal to work on these objectives.

Overall, I think our project turned out to be successful. I admire the way my group and I worked. I'm glad to be back in person to do more projects with my peers.

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