Comparing Human and Animal Body Systems | Six System Sprint

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

The course is broken down into six units:

Unit One - The Respiratory System (Class 1-2)
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

Unit Two - The Circulatory System (Class 3-4)
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 Three - The Circulatory System in Humans
Class Four - The Circulatory System in Other Animals

Unit Three - The Digestive System (Class 5-6)
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 Five - The Digestive System in Humans 
Class Six - The Digestive System in Other Animals

Unit Four - The Integumentary System (Class 8-9)
In this unit, students will learn about the integumentary system in humans and then compare it to the integumentary systems of a variety of other animals. We will discuss our skin, hair, nails and different glands found on our skin. In addition, we will touch on some diseases and disorders of the integumentary system before comparing ours with that of other creatures. 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 Integumentary System in Humans 
Class Eight - The Integumentary System in Other Animals

Unit Five - The Musculoskeletal System (Class 10-11)
In this unit, students will learn about the musculoskeletal system in humans and then compare it to the musculoskeletal systems of a variety of other animals. We will discuss the difference between tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones including how they operate and where they are located. Additionally, we will touch on some diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal 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 Nine - The Musculoskeletal System in Humans
Class Ten - The Musculoskeletal System in Other Animals

Unit Six - The Nervous System (Class 12-13)
In this unit, students will learn about the nervous system in humans and then compare it to the nervous systems of a variety of other animals. We will discuss how messages get sent throughout our body, our brain and spine, and touch on some diseases and disorders of the nervous 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 Eleven - The Nervous System in Humans
Class Twelve - The Nervous System in Other Animals

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: Todd Steitle of Unsplash and Bryan Walker of Unsplash