Rationale
Seventh grade life science in Georgia is a general study of biology including an introduction to the kingdoms of life, the interdependence of life, and the structure of life. The state standards require students to understand the structure of cells and their functions as well as how cells form tissues, organs, and organ systems. Unfortunately a fascination for the human body is never developed through these lessons; rather, students are taught in depth about the cell and in limited breadth of tissue and organs.
This unit takes an alternate approach, to provide an interesting backdrop about one body system and its functions. Through the instruction of this unit students will be able to redefine their understanding of cell structure and apply it to an understanding of oxygen transport in the body through the circulatory system. This will also allow for further study into the structure of the cardiovascular system. This will be accomplished by developing an understanding of the physical structure of the circulatory system, and the relation of this structure to function. This unit is designed to be conceptual in nature and not delve into the technical nature of the math associated with it. The reason for concentrating on the conceptual route is that it will provide a greater understanding of the properties associated with the system, at a level which students and teachers at this age range can feel comfortable with. The culmination of the unit will be a developed understanding of the advancements taking place in research facilities around the world in order to better maintain the human body.
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