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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Bear bones

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=204

A lesson plan for grade 7 Science

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science


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In this Science Update, students explore how animals can provide clues on how to combat osteoporosis. Normally, bones are constantly cycling through a process of rebuilding and renewal. Old bone tissue is broken down and absorbed back into the body, while new bone material is constructed from protein and minerals like calcium. In addition, other biological factors can contribute to bone weakening as we age, including hormonal changes and a natural shift in the balance between absorbing old bone material and building up new material. Science NetLinks provides links to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions that engage students in a discussion about the differences between bone density in humans and bears and why they should be considered when trying to determine treatment for osteoporosis. This lesson plan also provides links to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and an anatomy site for students, which includes a section on the skeletal system.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 7

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
    • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
      • Communicate findings.
      • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
      • Research.
      • Gather and analyze data.
      • Visualize data.
      • Disseminate findings to others.
    • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
      • Scientific text.
      • Articles.
      • Events in the popular press.
  • Goal 4: The learner will conduct investigations, use models, simulations, and appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the complementary nature of the human body system.
    • Objective 4.01: Analyze how human body systems interact to provide for the needs of the human organism:
      • Musculoskeletal.
      • Cardiovascular.
      • Endocrine and Nervous.
      • Digestive and Circulatory.
      • Excretory.
      • Reproductive.
      • Respiratory.
      • Immune.
      • Nervous system.
    • Objective 4.02: Describe how systems within the human body are defined by the functions it performs.
    • Objective 4.06: Describe growth and development of the human organism.
    • Objective 4.07: Explain the effects of environmental influences on human embryo development and human health including:
      • Smoking.
      • Alcohol.
      • Drugs.
      • Diet.
    • Objective 4.08: Explain how understanding human body systems can help make informed decisions regarding health.