Projects on Body Systems

• Body system projects explore how body organs support normal function. Steve Allen/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  Projects that explore each human body system allow students to conduct self-designed investigations into the processes and functions of the varying systems that support their bodies. Challenge students to create models, design interactive presentations or conduct experiments that demonstrate the ways that body systems function or interact with one another. Project assignments should reflect a student's level of ability and access to resources.

Respiratory System

• The respiratory system is responsible for the intake and distribution of oxygen throughout the body. Respiratory system projects should explore how the body intakes, converts and distributes oxygen to the organs of the body. One option for a project is to create a working model of a lung and diaphragm by suspending a latex balloon on the inside of an empty two liter bottle -- when a flat piece of latex cut from a second balloon is secure to the cut off bottom of the bottle, the student can pull the bottom balloon to draw air into the suspended balloon the way a diaphragm contracts to pull air into the lungs. Another idea for a respiratory system project is investigating into respiratory illnesses. Students may create models of diseased lungs affected by smoking, or practice breathing through variously sized straws to simulate an asthma attack.

Cardiovascular System

• The cardiovascular system is comprised of your arteries, veins and capillaries as well as your heart which distributes and processes blood to and from your organs. Projects exploring the cardiovascular system should identify the various roles each organ plays in ensuring that all your organs have adequate oxygen. One idea for a cardiovascular system project is to challenge groups of students to create life size posters of the blood distribution network in the human body -- students may trace an outline of one member of their group and use various colored yarn to represent veins or arteries. A more interactive option is to demonstrate to students how to calculate their heart rates during various stages of activity. Students then engage in a variety of physical activities and compare their heart rates to their target heart rates to determine the most effective exercises for cardiovascular benefits.

Skeletal System

• The skeletal system is responsible for supporting your muscles during movement and protection or supporting organs like your heart, lungs and brain. Invite students to investigate the bone strength with a clean chicken bone. When the normally sturdy bone is soaked in vinegar, its supply of calcium deposits breaks down and leaves the bone weak and susceptible to damage and breakage. Combine the experiment with an investigation in which students research strategies for maintaining bone health through adequate nutrition. Another option is to investigate the different bone and joint systems. Groups of students research a particular type of joint and present a real-life example of the same type of joint -- a door hinge is a suitable replica of a hinge joint and a broom with a pivoting head represents a ball and socket joint.