Websites current as of December 9, 2010
This WebQuest addresses the following Utah 7th Grade Science Standards:
STANDARD III: Students will understand that the organs in an organism are made of cells that have structures and perform specific life functions.
Objective 2: Identify and describe the function and interdependence of various organs and tissues.
c. Relate the structure of an organ to its component parts and the larger system of which it is a part.
d. Describe how the needs of organisms at the cellular level for food, air, and waste removal are met by tissues and organs (e.g., lungs provide oxygen to cells, kidneys remove wastes from cells).
(Modified from a lesson plan by Stacy Baker & Tracy Trimpe)
Howdy, partner! Time to hitch those oxen to your covered wagon and begin your travels along the Organ Trail! As you trek your trail, you’re going to learn how we go from a cell to a person!
You will also be assigned an organ. By the time you arrive at your destination, MyMouth, Organ, you will know all about your organ!
You’ll stop at trail stops along the way. That’s where information is available.
Let the expedition begin. (Note - if you don't have a copy of the worksheet, click here!)
Tissues
Remember, we start with cells. When we group similar cells together, we get tissue.
There four are different types of tissue. Your task is to learn about them. Here is a great trail site to visit.
The Four Basic Types of Human Tissue
Organs & Organ Systems
We next group tissues together and get an organ. When we group organs, we have organ systems.
Your next task is to research organs and organ systems. Here are some trail sites at which you may want to stop.
It’s time for some trivia. Go to the Body Trivia rest stop and answer some questions.
The Home Stretch
You’ve almost made it to MyMouth, Organ! Using what you have learned, you have two more assignments.
Assignment - The Human Body Corporation
As a body organ, you are an employee of the Human Body Corporation. Due to recent cost increases, the Human Body is having to fire workers. You need to write a letter to the Human Body Corporation defending your position in the company. In your letter, you need to describe to the corporation the following characteristics of your organ and explain why you are important to the Human Body Corporation.
1. Tell what the name of your organ is and where you are located.
2. Identify what systems of the body you work with.
3. Describe how you work with these systems.
4. List the other organs that work with you in your system.
5. Describe your main functions as a Human Body organ.
6. Tell the corporation how you perform these functions.
7. Tell the corporation why you are important and why they should not fire you. Explain what might happen to the Human Body Corporation if they fired you.
You will read your letter to the Human Body Committee (the rest of the class). Along with your letter, you will need to have a photograph (labeled drawing) of your organ to use as a visual aid.
Here are your websites for information.
Biology4Kids.com – Body Systems
How will you be graded on this assignment?
The Human Body Corporation Rubric
Category |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Ideas |
Ideas were expressed in a clear and organized fashion. It was easy to figure out what the letter was about. |
Ideas were expressed in a pretty clear manner, but the organization could have been better. |
Ideas were somewhat organized, but were not very clear. It took more than one reading to figure out what the letter was about. |
The letter seemed to be a collection of unrelated sentences. It was very difficult to figure out what the letter was about. |
Length |
The letter is 10 or more sentences. |
The letter is 8-9 sentences. |
The letter is 5-7 sentences. |
The letter is less than 5 sentences. |
Content Accuracy |
The letter contains at least 5 accurate facts about the topic. |
The letter contains 3-4 accurate facts about the topic. |
The letter contains 1-2 accurate facts about the topic. |
The letter contains no accurate facts about the topic. |
Format |
Complies with all the requirements of the assignment. |
Complies with almost all the requirements of the assignment. |
Complies with several of the requirements of the assignment. |
Complies with less than 75% of the requirements of the assignment. |
Assignment, Part Two – The Roundup
You’re there! We’re going to celebrate with a roundup. To complete the roundup…
Your assignment is to share the information you have discovered by completing a Wanted poster. Here’s the assignment and what is required on the poster.
• 8½ x 11 sheet of paper: any color.
• The word “Wanted” at the top of your paper.
• A drawing of your organ.
• Which organ system contains your organ?
• What is your organ’s main function(s)?
• How does your organ work to keep your body healthy?
• Can a person live without your organ?
Here are your websites for information.
Biology4Kids.com – Body Systems
How will you be graded on these assignments?
Organ Wanted Poster Rubric
Category |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Required Elements |
The poster includes all required elements as well as additional information. |
All required elements are included on the poster. |
All but 1 of the required elements are included on the poster. |
Several required elements were missing. |
Knowledge Gained |
Student can accurately answer all questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to create the poster. |
Student can accurately answer most questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to create the poster. |
Student can accurately answer about 75% of questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to create the poster. |
Student appears to have insufficient knowledge about the facts or processes used in the poster. |
Content - Accuracy |
At least 7 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. |
5-6 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. |
3-4 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. |
Less than 3 accurate facts are displayed on the poster. |
Conclusion
On your journey, you've learned how we go from cell to tissue to organ to organ system to organism (you!). The more you learn, the more amazing you should realize you are!
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
-Albert Einstein