Introduction
With recession on the rise, cut backs are being made across the board, even in the systems of
the human body. There are so many systems that make up the human body that the Board of
Human Systems has decided to eliminate one of the major systems to cut back on production
costs. Yet, which system could they eliminate without damaging the human body?
The Quest
As systems in the human body, you have to defend your system in front of the Board of
Human Body Systems. You must convince the Board of the importance of your system. You
will research your system, finding important facts and details in order to present your
case in front of the Board of Human Body Systems.
Your presentation will include, but is not limited to, the answers to the following questions:
1. Tell the name of your system and where you are located.
2. List the organs, if any, in your system.
3. Give at least three major characteristics of your system.
4. Describe your main functions a as a human body system.
5. Tell the Board how you perform these functions.
6. Tell the Board why you are more important to the human body than other
systems and why they should not fire you.
7. Presentation must include comparison to at least 2 of the other systems.
8. Be able to identify your system and its parts by a picture.
9. Make a bibliography of all the resources used.
The Process and Resources
In this Web Quest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each
group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore
WebPages from people all over the world who know about the systems of the body.
Because these are real WebPages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the
reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in
your classroom.
Do not forget to keep a log of all the websites visited either by writing them
manually or copying and pasting onto a word processing program.
PART I: The Gathering
You must first meet with your body system, about 3-5 members per system. With
your system, brainstorm any information you know about the systems of the human
body. This can include size, location, names, number, physical characteristics, or
any other facts you may know. This will help you to understand the strengths of
your system and just how much information your group may already know. Next,
decide what your group would like to learn about the systems of the human body.
Make a list and make sure each person in the group has a copy. You may stumble
across the answer while you're on the Web Quest.
PART II: System Exploration
Use the following web sites in your exploration of the body systems. They should
help you gather facts and information to complete your task of convincing the
Board of Human Body Systems not to shut down your body system. Also make use
of other resources including encyclopedias, science textbooks, and library books.
The Human Body
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Get Body Smart- from skin to the inside of a tooth, find facts and diagrams all
about human anatomy
The Human Body-a comprehensive list – a full list of links to the various systems of
the body for you to explore.
Circulatory System
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Your Gross and Cool Body - Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System - This Think Quest page will teach you how the blood makes its way
from your heart to your toes without getting tired.
How the Body Works - The Circulatory System - Explains the parts and functions of this
system.
Cardiovascular System - Picture and overview of the system.
IMCPL Kids' Info Guide: Circulatory System
Muscular System
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Welcome to Muscles - This Think Quest page will teach you the difference
between smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscles!
Your Gross and Cool Body - The Muscular System
Muscular System - Muscular - Picture and overview of system.
The Bundles of Energy - The Bundles of Energy The Muscular System Science Fact file
Muscles are bundles of cells and fibers. Muscles work in a very simple way. All they do is
tighten up--that is, contract--and relax.
IMCPL Kids-Muscular System
Nervous System
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Neuroscience for Kids - explore the human nervous system and the most important
tissue in the body, the brain!
Brain Facts and Figures - Interesting facts concerning the brain and spinal cord.
Brain Fitness - Your Guide to Good Brain Health
Nervous System - Diagram and facts about the different parts of the nervous
system and their functions.
Nervous System Tour - Take a tour of the system that helps you think and feel,
from a Think Quest site.
The Nervous System - Look at pictures and learn fun facts about the parts of your
body that control your thoughts and actions.
Your Gross and Cool Body - The Nervous System
Digestive System
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Digestive System - Digestive - Picture and overview of system.
The Digestive System - Think quest tour of the digestive system.
How the Body Works - The Digestive System - Explains the parts and functions of
this system.
IMCPL Kids: Digestive System
Skeletal System
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The Skeletal System - Read all about your bones and joints on this Think Quest
page!
Your Gross and Cool Body - The Skeletal System
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Skeletal System - Skeletal - Picture and overview of system.
Respiratory System
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Your Gross and Cool Body - Respiratory System
Welcome to the Respiratory System - Take a tour of the organs that help you
breathe, from a fun Think Quest site.
The Respiratory System - Short description explaining how the respiratory system
supplies blood with oxygen.
IMCPL Kids-Respiratory System
Conclusion
Which body system is the most important?
Could the systems of the body live independently of one another?
Through this web quest you have learned the importance of the complex systems of the
human body, and how they are all dependent on other systems. Hopefully you will never
have to really defend a system in front of the Board of Human Body Systems.