Chemistry of Our World ------Part B – Human Body

GOAL: To examine the chemistry of the human body. This will include examining elements that are vital to the survival of the body as well as elements that can damage the body.

This project is designed to look at the chemical elements that make up the human body. Each group will be assigned 2-3 elements that are found in the human body and will be responsible for finding the information and reporting this information. All of the information will be presented in a report format, a class visual (all groups will combine information into one combined class visual), and through an oral presentation to the class. Group assignments will also include an extension element or two that deal with the implications of exposure on the human body (called body burden).

Throughout this section individuals will have requirements along with the group work. Please note the information provided.

Basic Information:

  1. There will be groups of 2-3 students.
  2. Each group must research your elements according to the rubric
  3. Each group must work in Google docs to write the report and document collaboratively
  4. Each group must research their “extension element” and write a report according the information required.
  5. Each group must create a presentation podcast for the class. This will require the group to write a script and record the podcast.
  6. Each individual will be required to listen to a podcast relevant to the information we are studying. You will be required to write a response to the podcast you choose.

Section 1: The Human Body and its Elements

  1. Oxygen, Lithium
  2. Carbon, Fluorine, Aluminum
  3. Hydrogen, Manganese, Silicon
  4. Nitrogen, Iron, Vanadium
  5. Calcium, Arsenic
  6. Phosphorous, Copper
  7. Magnesium, Zinc, Strontium
  8. Potassium, Selenium, Lead
  9. Sulfur, Molybdenum, Chlorine
  10. Sodium, Iodine
  11. Cobalt, Bromine

Chemistry of Our World ------Part B – Human Body

Section 2: Biomonitoring Extension Element

  1. Lead
  2. Mercury and Arsenic
  3. Bisphenol A (BPA)
  4. Polybromenated biphenyls (PBB) and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
  5. Phthalates
  6. Organochlorine pesticides - DDT and DDE
  7. Perfluorinated Compounds– Teflon and Stain Protectors
  8. Perchlorate
  9. Formaldehyde
  10. Pesticides
  11. Toxic Flame Retardants

Media Info:

  1. Your supernatural life with Beth Greer – Biomonitoring, The impact of everyday chemicals.
  2. TED Talk – The toxic baby
  3. TED Talk – My mushroom burial suit
  4. Body Pollution Chemical Toxicity – you Tube
  5. Our Bodies, Our Landfills Article from NBC News
  6. How Environmental Toxins Affect the Human Body by Dr. Kathy Maupin
  7. My Interview with Dr. Crinnion on Environmental Toxicity
  8. Podcast – Natural News
  9. Plastic (Not) Fantastic: Food Containers Leach a Potentially Harmful

Group Member Names ______

______

Human Body Elements ______

Extension Elements ______

Grade Sheet Paper (100)

Part A: Introduction of Human Body Elements (15)

  1. Basic Information about element – including such things as # of protons, neutrons, and electrons
  2. Basics about the elements themselves…Common uses, etc

Part B: Role in the Body (20)

  1. Role of your element in the body
  2. Where is it used?
  3. How is it used?
  4. What organs use it? (Organs of Importance)
  5. How do you get the element into your body?

Part C: Homeostasis (20)

  1. How much is needed for good health? What are the normal ranges for good health?
  2. What happens if you have too little?
  3. What happens if you have too much?
  4. How does the body control the amount in the body? How does the body maintain homeostasis of your element?

Part D: Introduction of Extension Elements – Biomonitoring (15)

  1. Basic Information about the element(s) – including such things as # of protons, neutrons, and electrons
  2. Basics about the element(s) themselves…common uses, etc
  3. How does it enter the body?

Part E: Biomonitoring and Homeostasis (15)

  1. How is this element tested? / How do they find it in the body?
  2. How much can be in the body before it is considered dangerous?
  3. What happens to the body when this element enters the body? / How does the body try to get rid of it? / How does the body try to maintain homeostasis?
  4. How does the element enter the body? / How is it removed?

Part F: Conclusion and References (15)

  1. Include conclusion statements regarding the health of the human body based on your element(s)
  2. List all references used (can be a simple list of websites, books, articles, podcasts)
  3. All work is ORIGINAL WORK! Anything that is not original will be counted as a zero.

Grade Sheet Human Body Periodic Table (40)

  1. Includes basic information about the element and how it is used/why it is important for the body.
  2. Includes the % or amount that is normal in the body
  3. Must be posted on the human body periodic table (will be made in class)
  4. Neatly done / Creatively done

Grade Sheet Podcast (50)

  1. Includes a script (to be turned in)
  2. Includes important info about the elements assigned
  3. Is recorded and edited and posted in assigned location – hshare drive / folder – Gamble / folder Principles of Science
  4. Neatly and Creatively done

Working in Class / Working as a Group (5 points per day )

  1. Team members worked well together
  2. Team used class time wisely
  3. Team met Project deadlines
  4. All work was original!

Podcast Reports / TED talk report / Scientific Article report ( 5 points each )

  1. Listen and Report on assigned podcast – Report includes a summary and opinion
  2. Listen to class (group) podcasts / talks / or read article and report

Presentation (40)

  1. All people in the group contribute
  2. Presentation visual (powerpoint or other) – creative and neat / original work
  3. Can answer questions about the project
  4. Good Information about each element (includes all elements assigned)

Chemistry of Our World ------Part B – Human Body

Calendar / Plan:

Tuesday, 2/18/14

  • Introduce Project – Chemistry of the Human Body
  • Set up google docs with groups and choose research topics
  • Notes: Elements of the Body and Body Burden explanation
  • Elements of You worksheet

Wednesday, 2/19/14

  • Finish notes as needed
  • TED Talk – Toxic Baby
  • Research elements as a group

Thursday, 2/20/14

  • Work on Human Body Drawing and Element information
  • Research and Report

Friday, 2/21/14

  • Research and get project report ready for presentation on Monday

Monday, 2/24/14

  • Presentations

Chemistry of Our World ------Part B – Human Body