Anatomy & Physiology: Biology: Human Body Systems for Middle School Life Science

Master body systems and life science concepts with this NGSS-aligned class, designed for middle school learners. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the biological processes that sustain life. Through engaging lessons, they will explore human body systems in depth, developing critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the ability to apply problem-solving skills to real-world biological scenarios. This class provides the foundational knowledge needed for future science studies, while fostering a passion for learning and discovery in the life sciences.

WEEKLY BREAKDOWN: 

Week of September 9
What is Anatomy and Physiology?
Introduction to the study of human body systems and their interconnections.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of September 16
Levels of Organization in the Body
Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the organism.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of September 23
Cells: Structure and Function
Explore organelles and their roles in maintaining cellular function.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of September 30
Tissues: Types and Functions
Discuss epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of October 7
Skeletal System: Bones and Joints
Functions of bones, types of joints, and skeletal system structure.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of October 14
Muscular System: Movement and Support
Types of muscles (skeletal, smooth, cardiac) and their roles.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of October 21
Nervous System: Structure and Signals
Introduction to the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.D: Information Processing

Week of October 28
Nervous System: Reflexes and Responses
How signals travel and the body's response to stimuli.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.D: Information Processing

Week of November 4
Circulatory System: Heart and Blood Vessels
Structure of the heart, blood flow, and types of vessels.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of November 11
Respiratory System: Gas Exchange
How the lungs function and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

Week of November 18
Digestive System: Breaking Down Food
Organs involved and how nutrients are absorbed.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of November 25
Excretory System: Removing Waste
Kidneys, bladder, and the process of filtering and eliminating waste.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of December 2
Endocrine System: Hormones and Regulation
Introduction to glands and hormones' roles in the body.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

Week of December 9
Immune System: Defending the Body
Overview of how the body fights infections and diseases.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of December 16
Homeostasis: Maintaining Balance
How body systems work together to maintain equilibrium.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Weeks of December 23 & December 30
OFF

Week of January 6
Digestive System: Organs and Functions
Overview of digestion and nutrient absorption.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of January 13
Excretory System: Waste Removal
Function and major organs (kidneys, bladder, etc.).
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of January 20
Respiratory System: Gas Exchange
Structure and function of the lungs and oxygen delivery.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of January 27
Circulatory System: Heart and Blood Vessels
How the heart pumps blood and the role of blood vessels.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of February 3
Muscular System: Types of Muscles
Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of February 10
Skeletal System: Structure and Function
Bones, joints, and the skeletal framework.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of February 17
Nervous System: Brain and Spinal Cord
How the nervous system controls body functions.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.D: Information Processing

Week of February 24
Nervous System: Neurons and Signals
Structure of neurons and how signals travel.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.D: Information Processing

Week of March 3
Endocrine System: Hormones and Regulation
Role of glands and hormones in maintaining balance.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of March 10
Immune System: Defending the Body
Overview of white blood cells and immunity.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of March 17
Integumentary System: Skin, Hair, and Nails
Structure and protective functions of the skin.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of March 24
Homeostasis: Maintaining Balance
How body systems work together to stay balanced.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of April 7
Reproductive System: Structure and Function
Overview of male and female reproductive systems.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

Week of April 14
Growth and Development
Puberty and the life cycle of humans.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

Week of April 21
Interactions Between Systems
How different systems support one another (e.g., circulatory and respiratory).
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of April 28
Nutrition and Human Health
How diet affects body functions and growth.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Week of May 5
Energy in the Human Body: Cellular Respiration
How cells convert food into energy.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Week of May 12
Body Systems and Movement
How skeletal and muscular systems work together.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of May 19
Sensory Organs: Seeing, Hearing, and Touch
Role of eyes, ears, and skin in perceiving the environment.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.D: Information Processing

Week of May 26
Diseases and the Human Body
How diseases affect organ systems and health.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of June 2
Advances in Human Anatomy and Medicine
How technology has advanced our understanding of the human body.
NGSS Standard: MS-ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Week of June 9
Body System Failures
What happens when systems stop functioning properly.
NGSS Standard: MS-LS1.A: Structure and Function

Week of June 16
Human Impact on Health
How lifestyle choices impact the body systems.
NGSS Standard: MS-ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

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CLASS ENVIRONMENT

Our classrooms are guided by a Socratic teaching approach, fostering critical thinking and encouraging open dialogue among learners. By facilitating engaging discussions and posing thought-provoking questions, students are able to explore topics more deeply and gain a comprehensive understanding of the material. 

Our class size does not exceed 5 learners. This allows for more personalized attention from the educator, ensuring that each learner's individual needs and learning styles are met. With a smaller group size, there is also more opportunity for discussion and collaboration among classmates, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, students may feel more comfortable and confident participating in discussions and activities in a smaller group setting.

We incorporate a mix of traditional methods such as videos and limited PowerPoint presentations to accommodate various learning styles as well. 

In addition, we gamify our lessons, as much as possible, to make learning fun and interactive for students. By adding elements of games and competition, we are able to keep learners engaged and motivated to participate in their education.

We also incorporate hands-on projects, wherever possible, to provide students with real-world application of their learning. Through these projects, students are able to apply their knowledge in practical ways and further enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

By designing this type of diverse classroom environment, utilizing multiple teaching methods, we effectively address the diverse learning styles of our learners.

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IMPORTANT DATES

Please note we value mental health and want to prevent teacher burnout. With that said, we do take company wide breaks where there will not be any classes taught nor will we be answering emails. 

Please expect a delay in responses the following dates: 

2024:

August 19-August 25 (Summer Break)
November 27-29 (Thanksgiving Break)
December 23 - December 31 (Winter Break)

2025

January 1 - Jan 5 (Winter Break)
March 17 - March 23 (Spring Break)
April 19 - April 20 (Easter Break)
August 25-31st (Summer Break)

If you are enrolled, you will not be charged!

We will be returning all emails the day or two after we return. 

In addition, teachers may need time off outside of these breaks as emergencies do happen. We always try our best to give ample notice when we can. You will never be charged for a day that we cancel classes.

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CLASS POLICIES

Refund Policy:

We strictly adhere to Outschool's refund/reschedule policy for all of our classes. This means that once a class has been paid for, there will be no deviation from Outschool's guidelines. We do not offer refunds or rescheduling outside of what Outschool allows. 

Camera Policy:

All students are required to keep their camera turned on during the entire class. The only exception is those that have been verified by Outschool and have the verification badge.  

Contact info:

In compliance with Outschool's policies, we do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former families on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). We also do not provide or ask for any personal information such as email address or phone numbers.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these policies.