Homeostasis Project

Objective: To investigate and illustrate how multiple organ systems collaborate through feedback loops to maintain homeostasis in various real-life scenarios, emphasizing the roles of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.

Project Outline: *NOTE: ALL OF THE STEPS BELOW SHOULD BE ANSWERED AND WRITTEN OUT ON YOUR POSTERS TO BE TURNED IN AT THE END OF THIS PROJECT.

1. Introduction:

• Define homeostasis and its significance in the human body.
• Briefly introduce the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems and their roles in maintaining homeostasis.

2. Scenario Selection:

• Students choose one real-life scenario from the following options or propose their own:

  1. Fever Response to Infection:

     • Explore how the immune system responds to an infection.
     • Investigate the role of the nervous system in regulating body temperature.
     • Discuss the involvement of the endocrine system in releasing fever-inducing substances.
     • Identify and describe at least 2 other organ systems involved with this scenario.

  2. Blood Glucose Regulation after a Meal:

     • Examine how the digestive system processes food and releases glucose into the bloodstream.
     • Investigate how the endocrine system (insulin release) and nervous system (neural regulation) work to maintain blood glucose levels.
     • Identify and describe at least 2 other organ systems involved with this scenario.

  3. Fight or Flight Response to Stress:

     • Explore how the nervous system initiates the fight or flight response.
     • Investigate the role of the endocrine system (adrenaline release) and its impact on various organ systems.
     • Identify and describe at least 2 other organ systems involved with this scenario.

3. Organ Systems Involved:

• For the chosen scenario, identify and describe the specific organ systems involved.
• Discuss the functions of each organ system in responding to the scenario.

4. Feedback Loops:

• Explain the concept of feedback loops and identify positive and negative feedback mechanisms in the chosen scenario. YOU MUST IDENTIFY AT LEAST 1 FEEDBACK LOOP IN YOUR CHOSEN SCENARIO.
• Illustrate how these feedback loops contribute to maintaining homeostasis.

5. Endocrine System Involvement:

• Describe the endocrine glands and hormones involved in the chosen scenario.
• Explain how these hormones contribute to the body's response and homeostasis.
• IF YOU ADDRESSED THIS IN STEP 2, YOU DO NOT NEED TO WRITE IT DOWN AGAIN HERE.

6. Nervous System Involvement:

• Identify the neural pathways and components of the nervous system involved in the chosen scenario.
• Discuss how neural signals contribute to the coordination of organ systems.
• IF YOU ADDRESSED THIS IN STEP 2, YOU DO NOT NEED TO WRITE IT DOWN AGAIN HERE.

7. Immune System Involvement:

• Explore the immune cells and processes activated in response to the chosen scenario.
• Discuss the immune system's role in protecting the body and restoring balance.
• IF YOU ADDRESSED THIS IN STEP 2, YOU DO NOT NEED TO WRITE IT DOWN AGAIN HERE.

8. Conclusion:

• Summarize the key findings and connections between the organ systems in maintaining homeostasis.
• Highlight the importance of understanding these interactions for overall health.

9. Poster Design:

• Include diagrams, charts, and illustrations to visually represent the chosen scenario and the interplay of organ systems. You should consider drawing pictures that represent parts of your organ systems directly involved with your chosen scenario.