Homeostasis- Water Levels
By Gabriella Vasquez, Heston Wilson, and Chase McAndrew
With this project, we had to prove how homeostasis works in the human body. Using the scientific method, we had to choose an example of homeostasis and create an experiment to prove how it works. Our group chose Water Levels, and be decided to test dehydration vs. hydration and how the body regulates it.
We had to create an experiment that would prove our hypothesis of "the amount of water someone consumes affects the amount of urination and coloration". We made our experiment last 72 hours so we could have a gauge of how our body handle a long period with and without water. To the right is our Lab Write-up which contains our procedure, our results, and how this proves that our bodies maintain homeostasis. Reflection
This was an interesting project because we had to take outcomes that we new already (such as exercise will increase heart rate and breathing rate, that running will increase body temperature, and that the amount of water consumed will result in amount of urination), and we had to create an experiment to prove this outcome and show how homeostasis was involved. One thing that I did well was time management. My entire team worked diligently and finished our entire project two days before it was due. Another aspect I believe I did well was organization. I monitored the experiment with Chase and I for three days and created the data tables. With Heston doing most of the writing, I was able to use my organization skills by designing the scientific poster. One thing I believe I need to work on is collaboration. I found Heston doing most of the analyzing and writing while I focused on other parts, making most of the work lie on him. I also believe I need to improve on researching abilities. We were given two days to research ways to conduct our experiment, and I definitely didn't use my full ability. There were many different components to this project, and it was very enjoyable having to freedom to do this entire project without guidelines besides using the scientific method. |
The above buttons are links to my teammates pages
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Content
Homeostasis: A state of steady internal equilibrium maintained in every living organism. Negative feedback loop: A feedback loop which dampens and buffers the situation. Positive feedback loop: A feedback loop which enhances and amplifies the situation. osmolality: A measure of a number of dissolved particles in a fluid. ADH: An anti-diuretic hormone that helps the kidneys manage the amount of water in ones body. Anti-diuretic: A substance that helps an animals body control fluid balance. Kidneys: An organ in the body that helps filter liquids and remove waste. Distal Tubules: A portion of the kidney nephron that regulates the pH in urine. Hydration: The process of the body absorbing and retaining water. Dehydration: When there is not enough water in the systems for the body to absorb. Urine: A liquid by-product of human waste. Urochrome: The chemical responsible for giving urine color. Scientific Method 1. Make Observations/Ask Questions 2. Research 3. For a Hypothesis 4. Plan Experiments 5. Do Experiment 6. Analyze Data 7. Conclusion 8. Share Results |