Homeostasis Investigation
NGSS HS-LS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
1. Investigation Setup
Manipulate the independent variables (environment and activity) and observe the dependent physiological responses.
22°C
Freezing (-10)
Room (22)
Desert (45)
Simulation Time: 00:00
1 sec real time = 1 minute simulation time
2. Subject State
Core Temp:
37.0 °C
Heart Rate:
60 bpm
Status:
Stable
3. Data Collection
| Min | Env Temp | Activity | Heart Rate | Core Temp |
|---|
Analyzing the Feedback Mechanisms
Negative Feedback Loops: Notice how the body responds to deviations from the set point (37.0°C core temperature, resting oxygen demand).
- If core temp drops, shivering generates heat and blood vessels constrict (model turns pale/blue) to conserve heat.
- If core temp rises, sweating cools the body via evaporation and blood vessels dilate (model turns red) to release heat.
- During activity, muscle oxygen demand increases, causing the heart rate to rise to deliver more O2 and remove CO2.