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SCX401: Human Anatomy and Phys (2012-2013)

CURRICULUM PROGRAM: Science
COURSE TITLE: Human Anatomy and Physics
CALENDAR YEAR: 2012-2013
GRADE LEVEL: 10-12
CODE: SCX401
TYPE: GS
CREDITS: 1.00
COURSE LENGTH: 36 weeks

Laboratory Requirement: Students who take this course spend a minimum of 30% of their time engaged in hands-on laboratory exercises. All DoDEA Science courses have a minimum 30% dedicated time period for laboratory exercises. This translates to approximately 54 instructional days or 16 to 27 multi-day laboratories dedicated to student hands on laboratory time. Demonstrations and virtual laboratories, while useful in the classroom, do not count toward the 30% laboratory requirement.

Major Concepts/Content: Human Anatomy & Physiology is designed to be an elective course for students with a career or special interest and high motivation for an in-depth study of human structures and functions. Information is presented in an integrated approach with science as inquiry, science & technology, science & social perspectives, and the history & nature of science. The course integrates biology and chemistry using unifying concepts and processes of systems, order & organization, evidence, models & explanation, change, consistency & equilibrium, and form & function.

Scientific inquiry and understanding about inquiry are emphasized through practical and meaningful applications. Topics students study includes the muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems, and genetics.

Major Instructional Activities: Scientific inquiry is defined as the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work. Scientific inquiry also refers to the activities through which students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world (NSTA, 2004). Based on the philosophy that scientific knowledge is best acquired through inquiry, the course uses a variety of techniques to promote and inquiry in the classroom (ex. multiple revisions, high quality questioning, synthesis, making conclusions based on evidence, etc).

Instructional activities are staged in appropriate settings. They include laboratories, classrooms, forms of technology, and field studies. Teaching strategies include in depth laboratory investigations, demonstrations, collaborative peer-to-peer discussions, and student hands-on experiences.

Major Evaluative Techniques: All aspects of progress in science are measured using multiple methods such as authentic assessments, performance assessments, formative assessments, observational assessments, projects, research activities, reports, group and individual student work and conventional summative assessments.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology, students should be able to:

• Engage in full and partial scientific inquiries to design, conduct, and communicate scientific investigations to explore ideas about the natural world.
• Use scientific inquiry to design and conduct scientific investigations to meet a human need, make a decision, solve a human problem, or develop a product.
• Recognize and describe the interrelationship between science and technology.
• Apply the tools of technology (e.g., computers) in scientific endeavors.
• Identify qualities inherent in scientific behavior (e.g., reasoning, insight, energy, skill, and creativity).
• Discuss contributions of men and women of various social and ethnic backgrounds to science and technology.
• Apply science concepts to make decisions (weighing risks and benefits) about students' personal health and well-being.
• Apply different problem-solving strategies in the physiological sciences.
• Employ proper procedures for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and communicating raw data.
• Use special techniques in the laboratory.
• Use special equipment and instruments unique to physiology studies.
• Identify legal, humanistic, and social issues.
• Prepare and present results of an experimental activity, using one or more media, oral communication, and techniques of acceptable scientific writing.