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Year 8: Physiology

Physiology

THE TASK

You will research the Claim : 'Human beings are the most complex species on Earth'. From this, you will develop a specific research question which will compare a human physiological organ system with the same organ system from other vertebrates such as a fish OR  a reptile OR a bird (Note - no mammals!).  Choose from the systems below:

  • Digestive System
  • Circulatory System
  • Respiratory System

For example, your RESEARCH QUESTION could be:  'Is the human (digestive OR circulatory OR Respiratory) system more complex than the same system in a fish OR a reptile OR a bird'? ie Just choose one organ system and then compare that organ system in a human and in one species of animal eg shark (fish) or snake (reptile).

DATABASES TO HELP WITH PARTS A AND B

Science Online database provides excellent information, images and videos on all body systems.

Open the eLearning Modules to access 'The Human Body'

C.R.A.A.P. Test Evaluation Sheet for Research Sources

Save to your tablet, complete and print out to attach to the back of your assignment.

PART A: DESCRIBE THE COMPLEXITY OF THE HUMAN RESPIRATORY, CIRCULATORY AND DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS, FOCUSSING ON HOW THEY WORK INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER IN THE BODY

QUT C.R.A.A.P. Test for Evaluating Websites

Check the quality of your websites using these criteria (adapted from QUT Library):

Currency: Timeliness of the information

  • When was the information published, posted or last updated?
  • Is the information current for your topic and field of study? How recent does it have to be? Can older sources work just as well?
Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs
  • Is the information appropriate for a senior secondary course?
  • Is this an adequately in-depth examination or a quick summary of the topic?
  • Who's the intended audience? Is it the general public, a student, a researcher or industry?
  • Is the level of information too basic or too advanced for your needs?

Authority: Source of the information

  • Is the author/authoring body (individual person, or institution, or organisation) established and reputable?
  • Are their qualifications, credentials, expertise, experience, educational background and previous work (if any) relevant and do they add credibility to the source?
  • Has the piece been published by a well-known and respected publisher or organisation?
  • Do references to other sources support the writing ie is a Bibliography or Reference List provided?

Accuracy: Reliability and correctness of the information

  • Where does the information come from, and is it supported by evidence?
  • Does it have a Reference List or Bibliography so you can easily find and verify the sources used?
  • Are there any spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose: Reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? Why was it written?
  • Does the point of view appear objective, unbiased and impartial?
  • Is the viewpoint of the author's affiliation/ sponsors reflected in the message or content?
  • Does the author acknowledge alternative versions of the issues or facts?

PART B: EXAMINE AND COMPARE THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE CHOSEN HUMAN SYSTEM WITH THE SAME SYSTEM IN A BIRD OR FISH OR REPTILE

How To Write In-Text References for Science