PART B

THE RESOURCE GUIDE

STRAND ONE: LIFE SYSTEMS

FOCUS: HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS

I. THE HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

OVERVIEW: The human digestive system is extremely complex. Because we

cannot actually see our organs at work, we can explore their functions and purpose

through other means of investigation. It is helpful for students to understand the

various functions of the human and have an opportunity to visualize this for

themselves in different ways.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this activity is to assist students to better understand the

ways in which the various organs of the human digestive system function.

OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:

1. Explain the various organs that make up the human digestive system.

2. Explain and compare the functions of these various organs and their importance to

the human body.

3. Build a model of the human digestive system and draw a chart that explains the

functions of these various organs

ACTIVITIES: Build a model of the human digestive system (Alternative: Build a

model of one organ in the human digestive system and focus in on its design and

function?). The model should show the organ(s) very clearly and how they connect
with each other. The various organs should be different colours to make it easier to

see them. Each organ should be labeled clearly.

Then: Draw a chart that explains what each organ does. For example:

Name of Organ Functions

Stomach
Esophagus
(Sample Chart)

MATERIALS: Plastic, glue and glass for the model. As an alternative, you can use

cardboard and glue.

ASSESSMENT:

The final task will have the student stand beside or hold up their model – they will

demonstrate their model to the class. In doing so, they must be able to identify each

organ (without the labels) and briefly describe the function of each organ. They will

also explain how they learned this information and why it benefits them to know this.

II. THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE

OVERVIEW: Canadians are constantly being told that exercise is important for

good health. The concept of the connection between a regular exercise program and

maintaining good health is the main goal of this particular activity. It will be helpful

for students as they will actually engage in the activity and record their observations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this activity is to assist students in understanding the

ways in which regular exercise can be of benefit to them in maintaining good health.

OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:

1. Engage in a daily activity of their choice.

 2. Record observation data on a chart.

3. Explain the benefits or disadvantages of a particular exercise.

ACTIVITIES: For the next seven days, students will choose a type of exercise they

enjoy, such as skateboarding, swimming, running, skipping, etc. They will engage in

the same activity every day for a minimum of 15 minutes. They will record the

following data in chart form:

1. My chosen exercise

2. Time of day I exercised and why

3. Amount of time I exercised and why

4. Pulse rate before and after exercise

5. Record the benefits or possible risks with the chosen exercise: for example, my

muscles got sore, or I felt too tired, or I felt really good and had lots of energy, it’s

too easy to have an accident, etc.

6. The safety precautions they took when doing the exercise, ie. bike helmet,

swimming goggles, etc.

Your chart might look something like this:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Exercise:
Swimming

Time
2 pm

Amount of
Time

20 min.
Pulse
Before

After

Safety Goggles,
Precautions Swimming
Cap,
Stretched
before I
swam

ASSESSMENT:

The student will give a brief verbal report on the benefits of regular exercise. The

student could even add a set of photographs or slides to augment their report. In this

report they will be expected to accurately identify the exercise they engaged in, why

and how this exercise can benefit their health. They must also identify the various

ways in which exercise benefits our health. They will also be expected to use the

appropriate vocabulary with respect to this subject matter.