Vertebrate Hearts Activity
Biology
Unit 4 Comparative Structure & Function of Living Things
Goal: Students will gain an in-depth understanding of amphibians. They will be able to compare and contrast the heart structure and function of different vertebrates.
State Standards:
B2.4B Describe how various organisms have developed different
specializations to accomplish a particular function and yet the end
result is the same (e.g., excreting nitrogenous wastes in animals,
obtaining oxygen for respiration).
B2.4C Explain how different organisms accomplish the same result using
different structural specializations (gills vs. lungs vs. membranes).
B2.5B Explain how major systems and processes work together in
animals and plants, including relationships between organelles,
cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms. Relate
these to molecular functions.
Background:
Students should spend time prior to this activity carrying out preliminary research on amphibians. They can visit a library and prepare a list of references to use on the activity. Internet and textbook research can also be done.
Timeframe: Teachers should allot about a week for research and about 2 weeks to complete the activity.
Vocabulary:
anatomical characteristic
cell function
cell organelle
cellular differentiation
cellular waste disposal
gills
lungs
membranes
natural selection
nitrogenous waste
structural specialization
Materials:
Various model building items (clay, paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, etc)
Procedure:
1. In this activity, you will research and build models of 2, 3, and 4 chambered hearts.
- Compare and Contrast: Adult frogs have three-chambered hearts. Tadpoles, like fishes, have two-chambered hearts. Humans, like most mammals and birds, have four-chambered hearts. Find background information on each type of heart. Be certain that you find diagrams of each type of heart and information about the circulation patterns in each. Fill in the table provided as you do your research.
Number of Heart
Chambers / Number of Atria / Number of Ventricles / Found in what
organisms?
3. Create a Detailed Diagram: After you have obtained your reference materials, draw a detailed diagram of each type of heart. Review your drawings with your teacher. Be certain that you can explain the path of blood in each type of heart.
4. After your teacher has reviewed your drawings, begin planning your three-dimensional model of each heart. Consider the materials you have available while planning your model.
5. Construct your Model: Label your models and use arrows, colors, or some other indicator to show the path of blood through the heart.
How to incorporate more inquiry:
- Expand the project to include other methods of circulation or transport.
- Expand the research to include the environmental effects of pollution on organ formation in amphibians.
Conclusions:
Students will present a report to the class, using their models as visual aids during the presentation. They should be able to accurately explain the patterns of circulation in the three different hearts.
Source: Open Inquiry in Science, Glencoe Science