Human survival
(55 hours)
Humans are living organisms. They, like all other organisms, perform a number of activities to maintain the living condition. The human species is affected by, and affects, both the abiotic
and biotic environment in performing these activities.
Key Concepts:
1. Cells are the functioning units of all living things
2. Multi-cellular organisms are functioning sets of interrelated systems.
3. Organisms live an interdependent existence in environments to which they are adapted.
5. There are processes in place which maintain dynamic equilibrium at all organisational levels.
UNIT ORGANISATION
Main Focus
Key
Ideas
The living condition
1, 4, 15
The diversity of life
16, 26
Suggested Development of the Main Focus
Skills
Objectives
Text Reference
UB
Ch. 1.2
UB, IB
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
4
UB, IB,
EBI
Ch. 5.2
6
UB, IB
Ch. 5.3
6
UB, IB
Ch. 5.4
Establish the characteristics that distinguish living
from non-living matter.
Examine the ways in which organisms are grouped.
Develop an understanding of the major groups of
organisms.
Human energy
requirements
1, 4, 9,
10
Develop an understanding that humans are
omnivorous generalists. Their food contains the
nutrients and chemical bond energy necessary to
sustain life. Throughout human existence nutrients
have been obtained from plants, animals and other
living sources.
Adaptations to abiotic
conditions
16
Examine ways in which humans have produced
shelters and clothing from environmental resources.
15
Gain an insight into the adaptations of various
organisms for their survival that may impact on
humans by causing irritations, poisoning or allergic
responses.
Organisms may have an
adverse effect on humans
Possible Student Activities and
Learning Experiences
Use and produce keys.
Museum / Botanical Gardens
visit to gain an overview of
living things.
Microscope examination of some
living things.
Prepare an analysis of nutrient
content in food eaten over a
period of time to determine if it
constitutes a balanced diet.
Suggest improvements in the
diet. Present an evaluation of the
effects on the body if the diet is
unbalanced.
Make cloth from bark and test its
effectiveness in a variety of
physical conditions.
Research building materials used
throughout history in a variety of
climates.
Prepare a chart of local
organisms that have a negative
impact on humans.
Test poisonous plants for their
active ingredients
5
1
Human survival
UNIT ORGANISATION
Main Focus
Continued
Key
Ideas
Human pathogens and
parasites
6, 17
The immune system
6, 7,
8,10,16
Medicinal organisms
9, 10
Human impact on the
environment
14
Suggested Development of the Main Focus
Develop an understanding of how knowledge of
parasites and pathogens, their behaviour and life
cycles helps to control their effects on humans, their
crops, domestic animals and structures.
Establish the ways in which the human body responds
to, and combats, the effects of other organisms on its
systems.
Gain an insight into the development of medicines
from a variety of living sources.
Examine the ways in which modification of the
environment by humans to provide for their needs has
both a direct and indirect negative effect on both
themselves and other organisms.
Possible Student Activities and
Learning Experiences
Evaluate the economic and social
impact of a significant human
parasite or pathogen and predict
possible future controls.
Produce a concept map showing
the different body responses to
irritants, allergens, toxins,
parasites and pathogens.
Research the endemic diseases of
a third-world tropical holiday
destination. Draw up a table of
the diseases, their causative
agents, methods of prevention
and possible vaccination
schedule. Research and describe
in detail two different types of
these diseases and current
knowledge of prevention and
cure, and comment upon the
economic and sociological
factors contributing to their
status in the country.
Research one plant and one
animal that has curative effects
on the human condition.
Evaluate the properties of a
particular substance to a
significant human disease.
Prepare a scenario to examine
current and future impacts of
human activity on a particular
ecosystem.
Skills
Objectives
Text Reference
UB, IB,
EBI
Ch. 5.5
Ch. 5.6.1
Ch. 5.6.2
UB, IB,
EBI
Ch. 5.6.3
UB, IB,
EBI
Ch. 5.6.4
Ch. 10.3.4
UB, IB.
EBI
Ch. 10