Prior Knowledge Questions
What does a thermostat do when the air temperature rises higher than it is supposed to be?
When the air temperature rises higher than it is set, a thermostat signals the air conditioning or cooling system to turn on, lowering the temperature back to the desired level.
What does a thermostat do when the air temperature is lower than it is supposed to be?
When the air temperature is lower than the set point, a thermostat signals the heating system to turn on, raising the temperature to the desired level.
How do our bodies sometimes act like a thermostat?
Our bodies regulate temperature by activating mechanisms such as sweating to cool down when it gets too hot or shivering to generate heat when it gets too cold. The hypothalamus acts as the thermostat for our internal temperature, triggering these responses to maintain homeostasis.
Gizmo Warm-up
What is the air temperature?
(You need to input the value based on the Gizmo simulation, e.g., "0 °C (32 °F)")
What is the body temperature?
(You need to input the value based on the Gizmo simulation, e.g., "37 °C (99 °F)")
Lowering air temperature:
Decrease
Shivering:
Increase
Raising air temperature:
Increase
Sweating:
Decrease
Reducing clothing:
Decrease
Exercising:
Increase
Activity A:
Initial body temp. after 1 hour with Air Temp. at 0 °C:
(You need to input the final body temperature from the Gizmo simulation.)
| Factor | Initial body temp. | Body temp. after one hour | Effect of factor on body temperature | |----------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Standing still | (Input initial) | (Input after 1 hour) | Same | | Exercising | (Input initial) | (Input after test) | Increase | | Sweating | (Input initial) | (Input after test) | Decrease | | Shivering | (Input initial) | (Input after test) | Increase | | Adding clothing | (Input initial) | (Input after test) | Increase |
Which factor raised body temperature the most?
(You need to identify the factor that caused the highest increase based on the data.)
Why do you think this process raises body temperature?
This process increases body temperature because physical activity generates metabolic heat, which raises core body temperature.
Which factor lowered body temperature the most?
(Identify the factor that caused the most significant decrease.)
Why do you think this process lowers body temperature?
Sweating lowers body temperature because it facilitates evaporative cooling as sweat evaporates from the skin, releasing heat from the body.
Activity B:
What does the graph show?
(Provide a description of the temperature fluctuations and attempts to maintain body temperature.)
How did you create a situation where body temperature increased excessively?
(Describe your actions in the simulation; perhaps raising air temperature without balancing other responses.)
What is the name for this condition?
Hyperthermia
At what body temperature is immediate medical treatment required?
Typically around 40 °C (104 °F) or higher.
How did you create a situation where body temperature dropped excessively?
(Describe your actions in the simulation; perhaps lowering air temperature without balancing other responses.)
What is the name for this condition?
Hypothermia
At what body temperature is immediate medical treatment required?
Typically around 32 °C (89.6 °F) or lower.
Challenge Yourself
How long did you last?
(You need to input your simulation duration.)
Analyze the TABLE tab
What was the lowest air temperature you had to deal with?
(Identify the lowest recorded air temperature.)
How did you respond to this temperature?
(Describe your actions in the simulation to maintain body temperature, such as adding clothing, or increasing exercise.)
What was the highest air temperature in the simulation?
(Identify the highest recorded air temperature.)
How did you maintain a constant body temperature at this time?
(Describe actions such as sweating, reducing exercise, or drinking water.)
Think and Discuss
Other than the options available in the Human Homeostasis Gizmo, what other methods are used to maintain body temperature?
- Voluntary responses: Taking a break in the shade, drinking cold water, reducing physical activity.
- Involuntary responses: Vasodilation (expanding blood vessels), increased heart rate, adaptations in metabolic rate.
Critique
Advantages and disadvantages of the model:
- Advantages: Provides a clear visualization of homeostasis, allows manipulation of variables, and offers immediate feedback on the effects of actions on body temperature.
- Disadvantages: Simplistic representation of human physiology, does not include complex interactions of different systems in the body, and lacks individual variability.
In what ways is the model realistic?
It effectively simulates basic responses to temperature changes, such as sweating and shivering, mirroring real-life thermoregulation.
What factors are not included in the model?
Psychological factors, metabolic differences among individuals, and the effects of certain illnesses or medications on body temperature regulation are not considered.
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