Valentine's Day: The Human Heart
Grade Level: 9-12
Subject/Content: Science/Biology
Summary of lesson: Students will understand the evolutionary complexity of the human heart when compared to the hearts of other organisms
Focus Question: How does a human heart differ from the hearts of other animals?
Resource(s): Science Resource Center
Procedures:
- Initiate a class discussion about the idea of Valentine's Day being symbolized by the heart. Ask probing questions about why the two are closely linked (ex. "Do we actually love with our hearts?").
- Access Science Resource Center article, "A link between emotional stress and heart attacks." Science News, March 11, 2006 v169 i10 p157(1). Science Resource Center. Gale. 13 August 2007
- Read the article aloud to the class and discuss the idea of emotional stress after a death. Some scientists believe hormones released when someone is heavily grieving can trigger a heart attack (ex. Johnny Cash)
- Provide each student with a blank diagram of the heart. One can be found at, "Anatomy of the human heart." Illustration by Hans & Cassidy. Science Resource Center. Gale. 13 August 2007, but you will have to white out labels before making copies
- Allow computer time for students to access Science Resource Center
- Once students have gained access, have them search for heart diagrams and fill-in their blank models
- Once students have completed their diagrams, have them partner up with another student
- Together the students should search in Science Resource Center for information about the hearts of different organisms
- One student can search for the information while the other student creates a chart that lists the organisms and a description of their hearts
- Bring all the students back together to discuss the evolutionary comparisons of different hearts as a review
- End the lesson by discussing whether students believe that other animals can have emotionally induced heart attacks like humans and why
Steps/Activities by Student(s):
- Participate in a class discussion about the idea of Valentine's Day being symbolized by the heart.
- Listen and ask questions while your teacher reads an article aloud to the class.
- Obtain a blank diagram of the heart from your teacher.
- When given computer time, access Science Resource Center and search for heart diagrams and photos to fill-in your blank diagram.
- Together with a partner, now search in Science Resource Center for information about the hearts of different organisms. One of you can search for the information while the other creates a chart that lists the organisms and a description of their hearts.
- Be ready to discuss the evolutionary comparisons of different hearts as a review
Outcome: Students will be able to recognize the parts of the human heart and explain the evolutionary differences between the hearts of other organisms
Related Activities: This activity can also be expanded by actually performing a heart dissection. Pig hearts are fairly inexpensive and are very large providing easy viewing of structures very similar to the human heart (the valves which are readily seen are even used in humans!).
Standard Date: December 1994
Content Standard(s): NS.9-12.3(C) The cell, Biological evolution, Behavior of organisms; NS.9-12(F) Personal and community health; Natural and human induced hazards; NS.9-12(G) Nature of scientific knowledge
Performance Indicators:
- At Level 1, the student is able to:
- Label a heart diagram from another resource
- At Level 2, the student is able to:
- Chart information that compares different organisms
- At Level 3, the student is able to:
- Analyze information obtained to draw conclusions about evolutionary progress of organisms
Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:
- The student will demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of computer-based technology
- The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research, and improve communications
- The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision-making skills and apply these skills to real world situations
ISTE NETS for Students
- Creativity and Innovation
- Research and Information Fluency
- Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision Making
- Technology Operations and Concepts
Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:
- Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
- Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
- Standard 3: The student who s information literate uses information accurately and creatively