Process

Authentic Task
The local museum has selected your class to create an interactive student exhibit where students can come and learn about each part of the human body, including the nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, and digestive system. Your team’s task is to create a web site to inform other students about the importance and function of one of these body systems.

Procedure
Step 1: Introduction
Ask students how many of them have a bike. Ask students to name the parts of the bike, such as handlebars, seat, and wheels. Record students’ answers on chart paper. Ask students to think about how the parts of a bike work together to help you create movement. For example, if one part of the bike is not working, is it still possible that bike will work? Will the bike work as efficiently? Continue to write students’ responses on chart paper.

Ask students whether the bike would still work properly if they didn’t treat it properly. Discuss with students that each part of the bicycle plays an important function in making the bike work as a whole.

Ask students to think about how the organs in a body system, such as the digestive system, work together. Hold up an apple and take a bite. Ask students what body system you are using to eat the apple. Record students’ answers on chart paper. Ask students how each part of the digestive system works together to help digest the apple.

Ask students how the bicycle system is analogous to the digestive system in the human body.

Step 2: Research
Divide students into small groups and assign each group one of the six body systems:
1. Digestive
2. Circulatory
3. Respiratory
4. Skeletal
5. Muscular
6. Nervous System

The group can use online and print resources to answer the following questions about its body system.
1. What is the name of your body system?
2. Where is the system located?
3. What is the role of the system?
4. What organs make up this body system?
5. What are the main functions of this human body system?
6. What is each organ’s function in the body system?
7. How do the organs perform these functions?

Step 3: Create a Diagrm
Have students work together to create a diagram of their body system using Twist. The diagram, or illustration, should include major organs, correct terminology in the labeling, and a brief text description of how each part contributes to the system’s role in the human body.

Step 4: Create a Body System Web Site
Students should use the information from their research and their diagrams to help them create a web site about the body system.

You might suggest that their web site include:
Title Page: Name of the body system Twist Diagram
Page 2: Function— What is the role of your system?
Page 3: Problems and Diseases— What problems can occur?
What diseases are associated with your system?
Page 4: Staying Healthy— What can people do to keep this system healthy?
Why is this system important for good health?
Page 5: Author’s names and bibliography

Invite community members, parents, and students to a Human Body Open House. During this open house, various student groups will present their projects on the human body and answer questions from the audience about their projects. The presentation should include a detailed explanation of the human body system, as well as why taking care of the system is important for good health.

Assessment
Assess your students’ prior knowledge based on the introductory bike activity as well as their class participation. You will be able to assess their research abilities and knowledge through their research questions, and you can evaluate comprehension using the diagram they create of the body system. Their web site will help you evaluate writing skills, creativity, and design skills. You will also be able to assess their problem-solving, team work, planning, and time management skills as each team works through the process.

Resources
Cole, Joanna and Degan, Bruce. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body.
ISBN: 0590726331

Weiner, Esther. The Incredible Human Body.
ISBN: 0590599283

Human Anatomy Online
http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html

Virtual Body
http://www.medtropolis.com/vbody.asp

Standards
National Science Education Standards
CONTENT STANDARD C:
As a result of their activities in grades 5–8, all students should develop understanding of structure and function in living systems

NETS for Students—2007
1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
Students:
b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

Find more WebBlender 2 lessons in the Recipes4Success Lesson Library!

Steps for Students

Creating a Web Site in WebBlender™
Once you have created your illustrations and done your research, you can use WebBlender to combine it all together.

1. Launch WebBlender.

2. You will see the first page in your Web site.

3. Click the Text tool on the tool palette. Double-click the text box to add a title.

4. Type the title of your Body System.

5. Change the text format by using the font options on the Options panel.

6. Click the page outside of the text box.

7. You will see the Fill options on the Editing panel. Click the color box to choose a color for the page.

8. Click the Image button on the tool palette to insert an image.

9. Click the Library tab on the editing panel. Double-click the Buttons folder.

10. Double-click a folder, choose the type of button you want to use, or customize your own. Click and drag a home button from the library onto your page.

11. Click the New Blank Page button on the left side of the storyboard.

12. Repeat steps 3–11 for each page.

13. Use the library to choose additional buttons to complete the navigation.

14. Click the Save button on the toolbar. Choose where you want to save your web site and click Save.

15. To test the navigation of your web site, click the Browse tool on the tool palette.

16. When you are satisfied that your web site is complete, click the Publish button and save your web site.

17. To view your web site, find the place where you saved it and double-click the index.html file.