High School Science Virtual Learning
Biology
Homeostasis
April 13, 2020
Biology
Lesson for April 13th
Daily Objective: I can define
homeostasis and describe what it is.
Bell Ringer Activity
1. If you apply an ice pack to an injury
ankle, will your body temperature
decrease?
2. Why or why not?
Bell Ringer Activity Answers
1. If I apply an ice pack to an injury ankle, my body temperature will
continue to be maintained at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. When my body senses that it is cold, it takes action to keep my
temperature up.
Let’s Get Started!
Lesson: Homeostasis - What is it and why is it important?
All organisms need to keep their internal environment relatively stable,
even when external conditions change dramatically. This condition is called
homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability to maintain constant internal
conditions when outside conditions change. If balance is shifted or disrupted
and homeostasis is not maintained, the results may not allow normal
functioning of the organism. If homeostasis is disrupted, it must be
controlled or a disease/disorder may result.For most organisms, any
breakdown of homeostasis may have serious or even fatal consequences.
Lesson Continued: Homeostasis
Watch this video and answer the
following questions:
1. What is homeostasis?
2. Why is homeostasis
important?
Lesson continued: Feedback Mechanisms
Homeostasis depends on the ability of your body to detect and oppose changes
to your internal state. Feedback mechanisms help maintain homeostasis.
Read the follow text about Feedback Mechanisms.
Afterwards, fill in the following blanks:
3. Negative feedback is a control system that helps the body maintain homeostasis
by sending a signal to ____________ a response.
4. ____________ feedback is the type of control system in effect when you feel
hungry and eat.
5. Positive feedback is a control system that sends a signal to ________ a response.
6. Childbirth is another example of ____________ feedback.
Lesson continued: Negative and Positive Feedback
Watch this short video to see how Positive And Negative Feedback Loops work.
Lesson Answers:
1. Homeostasis is the ability to maintain constant internal conditions when
outside conditions change.
2. Homeostasis is important because if it is disrupted, a disease or disorder may
result.
3. Negative feedback is a control system that helps the body maintain
homeostasis by sending a signal to stop a response.
4. Negative feedback is the type of control system in effect when you feel
hungry and eat.
5. Positive feedback is a control system that sends a signal to increase a
response.
6. Childbirth is another example of positive feedback.
Practice
Complete the following questions using the
information you learned during the lesson activity.
Questions:
1. Which of the following is a good definition of homeostasis?
A. Homeostasis means that our body monitors the value of several
parameters and prevents them from ever changing.
B. Homeostasis means that our body doesn't regulate the value of
different body parameters.
C. Homeostasis means that our body monitors the value of several
parameters and restores them to their correct value after any
alteration.
D. Homeostasis means that we stand still all the time.
2. Which of the following variables do our bodies regulate:
A. Salt concentration in blood
B. Glucose concentration in blood
C. Body temperature
D. Blood volume
E. All answers are correct
3. What type of feedback loop is shown?
A. Positive
B. Negative
C. Neutral
4. Which of the following is an example of positive feedback to indirectly
maintain homeostasis?
A. the chemical reactions involved in blood clotting
B. your blood vessels dilate and you begin to sweat in response to elevated
body temperature
C. your blood vessels constrict and you begin to shiver in response to low
body temperature
D. your coach compliments you on your performance in practice
5. When glucose levels in the blood rise, your brain sends a signal to your
pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin, which opens channels in cell
membranes to allow glucose to enter the cell, lowering blood sugar levels.
A. Positive Feedback
B. Negative Feedback
Once you have completed the practice questions
check with the answer key.
1. C- Homeostasis means that our body monitors the value of several
parameters and restores them to their correct value after any
alteration.
2. E- All answers are correct
3. B-Negative
4. A- the chemical reactions involved in blood clotting
5. B-Negative Feedback
Common Misconceptions
● “Negative feedback is detrimental for the body; positive is better for the
body.” This is not true; the use of the terms “positive” and “negative” in
this context does not mean good or bad.
● “Negative feedback means less.” This is not true; negative is this context
is not a lesser amount.
● “Homeostasis means that the body always does what is best for itself.”-
Not always. Homeostasis is the ability to maintain constant internal
conditions. However, sometimes the constant the body is maintaining is
not idea. Such as when the body maintains a high blood pressure.
More Practice- Online homeostasis simulation
Click on the link above to do more practice!
In this activity, it’s up to you, not the body, to
maintain homeostasis in a virtual person. Monitor the
displays and use the controls to keep the indicators
centered. But don‘t become complacent when you
achieve a balance. Our subject will randomly change
states—from standing, to running, to resting—and
throw off your settings!
More Practice- Online Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
1. Click on the worksheet.
2. Use the links on the worksheet to help you fill in the blanks
3. Check you work using the answer key when completed.
Answer Key
Additional Resources
Homeostasis and Negative/Positive Feedback
Homeostasis and Feedback
Why is homeostasis important?
