Career Connections at SAVY, Week 3, Engineering the Human Body (7th-8th)
Final Day Recap: Unveiling the Mysteries of Disease! 🧬💉
Our final day of Engineering the Human Body was all about tying everything together and putting our learning into action. We completed our journey through the heart and circulatory system, and then students took center stage to deliver their final presentations on four fascinating diseases. Each group did an incredible job bringing science to life!
❤️ The Heart and Blood Flow Recap
We started the morning by wrapping up our unit on the heart and blood flow. Students reviewed the pathway blood takes through the heart’s chambers and vessels, marveling at how cardiac muscle pumps blood to every corner of the body, ensuring oxygen and nutrients reach all our cells. They solidified their knowledge of how the circulatory system fuels our bodies every day by analyzing and discussing models and diagrams.
🌟 Final Presentations: Exploring Disease & Physiology
After our heart lesson, the spotlight shifted to student presentations. Each team prepared a 20-minute project on a different disease, applying their new understanding of physiology to explain complex medical topics. Here’s a look at the topics and highlights from each presentation:
- Poliovirus 🦠
This group started by introducing us to polio—a viral disease with a history that changed the world of public health. They explained polio’s impact on the nervous system, how it spreads, and the life-changing vaccines that have nearly eradicated it globally. They also discussed ongoing research into a world entirely free of polio. - Bubonic Plague 🐀
The “Black Death” group gave us a fascinating dive into one of history’s most infamous diseases. They discussed how the bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread by fleas, and historically devastated populations. They highlighted how modern understanding of bacteria and antibiotics has turned a once-feared disease into something that can now be treated effectively. - Hemophilia 🩸
This team explained hemophilia, a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting. Students outlined how it’s passed down through families, the role of clotting factors, and modern treatments that enable people with hemophilia to lead full lives. They even discussed potential gene therapies that could one day provide a long-term solution to managing this condition. - Autism 🧠
Finally, the autism group shared a thoughtful exploration of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), touching on its neurological basis and how it impacts behavior and communication. They discussed both environmental and genetic factors, as well as the challenges in diagnosing and treating ASD. Their presentation ended with an inspiring look at how understanding ASD helps build a more inclusive society.
Each presentation included visual aids like charts, diagrams, and engaging videos to make their points come alive. The students left no stone unturned, from understanding symptoms and pathophysiology to treatment options and research advancements!
Questions for Your Budding Scientists 🌱
Here are some dinner table questions to keep the learning going at home:
- How does blood flow through the heart? Why is this process so important for our health?
- What did you learn about the disease your group presented? What surprised you the most?
- What are some treatments or future therapies being researched for the disease you studied?
- Which disease did you find the most interesting, and why?
Thank you for joining us on this journey through human physiology. Your students’ curiosity, dedication, and teamwork have been inspiring to witness, and we hope they’re as excited as we are about science!
With gratitude,
Miss Waterman