Homeostasis Model
Name ______________________________
Homeostasis in a general sense refers to stability, balance or equilibrium. It is the body's attempt to maintain a
constant internal environment. Maintaining a stable internal environment requires constant monitoring and
adjustments as conditions change. This adjusting of physiological systems within the body is called homeostatic
regulation.
Homeostatic regulation involves three parts or mechanisms: 1) the receptor, 2) the control center and 3) the
effector. The receptor receives information that something in the environment is changing. The control center
or integration center receives and processes information from the receptor. And lastly, the effector responds to
the commands of the control center by either opposing or enhancing the stimulus. This is an ongoing process
that continually works to restore and maintain homeostasis. For example, in regulating body temperature there
are temperature receptors in the skin, which communicate information to the brain, which is the control center,
and the effector is our blood vessels and sweat glands in our brain.
Because the internal and external environment of the body are constantly changing and adjustments must be
made continuously to stay at or near the set point, homeostasis can be thought of as a synthetic equilibrium.
Assignment: You will create a model of homeostasis. This is an opportunity to be creative; you will not be
using an example from the human body. Be sure to identify and explain the important features of your model.
Performance Area
1
No clue
2
Perhaps has a clue
Depth of
Understanding
NO Depth of
understanding is
presented. Connections
between concept and
model are weak or nonexistent.
Depth of understanding
limited. Connections
between concept and
model are weak in some
areas. Overall connections
reflect lack of
understanding.
Depth of understanding
is developing.
Connections between
concept and model are
generally acceptable.
Few are weak.
Shows advanced depth
of understanding.
Connections between
concept and model are
strong and wellillustrated.
Simplicity
Identifies few or no
relevant criteria that
demonstrate the
simplicity of the
model. Complex
problems not identified.
Identifies and explains
minimal criteria that shows
the simplicity of the
model. Minimal or no
identification of the
complex scientific concepts
Identifies the complex
scientific concepts, and
but unable to use the
model to demonstrate
clearly how it is used to
make the complex
become simple.
Identifies the complex
scientific concepts, and
uses the model to
demonstrate clearly how
it is used to make the
complex become simple.
Model is poor quality.
4+ spelling or grammar
errors.
Not labelled.
Poor construction.
Model is low quality.
4+ spelling or grammar
errors.
Lacking labels.
Basic construction.
Model is acceptable
quality.
1-3 spelling or grammar
errors.
Labeled clearly (missing 2
or fewer).
Average construction.
Model is high quality.
No spelling or grammar
errors.
Labeled clearly.
Detailed construction.
Is the model simple;
does it take a complex
idea and make
understandable?
Model Quality
3
Proficient
4
Advanced