Human Body Systems Rubric

Item description

The purpose of this project is for students to identify and describe the structure and functions of a human body system. They will do so by creating either a 2d/3d model and either present their model or write a 1 page essay explaining their model. In this project students will also demonstrate their ability to identify advantages and limitations of models by identifying the advantages and limitations of their own models in either their presentation or essay. In this product you will find the following:

1. 1. Body Systems Project Rubric- This rubric is broken down into four parts (accuracy of information, creativity, attractiveness/neatness, and advantages/limitations) equalling to a total of 100 possible points. The rubric is broken down further explaining what information is needed under each subcategory. Information that must be covered in either the essay or presentation is also labeled. 

2. 2. Powerpoint presentation- The purpose of the powerpoint presentation is to be used when introducing and explaining the project to students. These slides go over the project expectations, rubric breakdown, and the last slide has an example of a model of the integumentary system. 

Helpful tips:

I normally assigned this project AFTER I had taught my students about the human body systems. Depending on my student body, I either assigned students their human body systems or allowed students to choose their own. Ideally I would provide students with their own choice in which body systems they wanted to model. However, if I noticed that there was an inordinate amount of students picking the same body systems then I would assign students their body systems to bring in some variety 

I am a huge proponent for giving students a choice when it comes to their learning. This is why I give students choices when it comes to materials used to make their models and deciding whether or not they either present or write an essay to explain their model. 

Not every student has the same access to materials so I want to make things as easy as possible for them in this regard. The point is for students to learn about the human body system, I do not want them distracted by the materials. The more creative they are with the materials, the better. 

Students need to explain the functions of their human body system, the organs included in the system and how their structure contributes to the system’s function, an analogy comparing the function to a real world experience, and the advantages and limitations to their model. I allow students to decide whether or not they will present their model to the class. If they decide to present then it must be a presentation no longer than 5 minutes and must clearly cover the content as outlined in the rubric. If students opt to write an essay then it should not be longer than 1 page and again, must cover the content outlined in the rubric. 

I found this particular project to be a fun, effective, and engaging way to assess students on their understanding of human body systems and the advantages and limitations of models. I hope that you find this activity to be effective and engaging with your own students as well. 

Cheers!

Mrs. Unfrazzled