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This unit reviews concepts related to feedback loops for maintaining homeostasis in the human
body. It provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the process
of homeostasis and how it can be represented and demonstrated using computer models. Students will learn how computer models are built and used as testbeds to run simulation experiments. They will also explore the practices of professional practitioners in computational biology.
Students will interpret code in the model and then compare it with what they know about those processes in the natural world. They will manipulate a model that explores the impact of hormone changes on maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, the role of the pancreas and the liver, and the potential for developing health issues such as type II diabetes.
Students will decode the model and then compare it with what they know about the natural-world processes. They will engage in argumentation from evidence using the Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework to assess the validity of the model. Finally, students will have the opportunity to make modifications to the model to match their understanding of processes and/or answer new questions.
Resources available:
- Student materials in Google Documents
- Teacher guide in PDF with pacing guide and standards
- Teacher workbook with answer keys