Comparing Animal Body Systems | Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory Systems

Our body is always working hard to make sure that we are able to survive the way we do. In this ten-lesson course, we will be looking at three body systems in detail and then investigating these body systems in other animals.

**Please note - this class involves some labs that require materials. Please be sure to read through the supply list to ensure your learner is prepared on lab days!

The course is broken down into three units:

Unit One - The Respiratory System (Class 1-3)
In this unit, students will learn about the respiratory system in humans and then compare it to the respiratory systems of a variety of other animals. We will discuss the route of oxygen, how this system interacts with the circulatory system, and touch on some diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. Each lesson will be accompanied with a worksheet and there will be optional quizzes, investigations, and tasks that students can choose to do to supplement the class and build on what they've learned.

Class One - The Respiratory System in Humans
Class Two - The Respiratory System in Other Animals
Class Three - LAB - Create A Model Lung + Breathing Rate

Unit Two - The Circulatory System (Class 4-6)
In this unit, students will learn about the circulatory system in humans and then compare it to the circulatory systems of a variety of other animals. We will discuss how blood circulates through the body, what blood consists of, and touch on some diseases and disorders of the circulatory system. Each lesson will be accompanied with a worksheet and there will be optional quizzes, investigations, and tasks that students can choose to do to supplement the class and build on what they've learned.

Class Four - The Circulatory System in Humans
Class Five - The Circulatory System in Other Animals
Class Six - LAB - Heart Rate (will need some space for some exercise to get our heart rate up!) + Article Investigation/Reading

Unit Three - The Digestive System (Class 7-9)
In this unit, students will learn about the digestive system in humans and then compare it to the digestive systems of a variety of other animals. We will discuss what happens from when ingest food to when we eliminate waste and every step in between and touch on some diseases and disorders of the digestive system. Each lesson will be accompanied with a worksheet and there will be optional quizzes, investigations, and tasks that students can choose to do to supplement the class and build on what they've learned.

Class Seven - The Digestive System in Humans 
Class Eight - The Digestive System in Other Animals
Class Nine - LAB - Owl Pellet Dissection

Closing (Class 10)
Class Ten - Review of course material (we will be playing a review game in the form of Kahoot/Quizizz or similar platform to bring it all together!) ***second device would be beneficial to play these games! (ex. cell phone, iPad etc.)

The lessons will be more of a lecture style (yet interactive) class with a PowerPoint, photos, videos, and fascinating facts. We will have conversations about the topics and students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss (although are also welcome to just absorb the information if they prefer). As stated in each of the unit descriptions, optional handouts, tasks, and quizzes will be available to promote retention and practice learning throughout the course. 


Image Credit: asoggetti of Unsplash
Image Credit: StockSnap of Pixabay