BACKGROUND

The alien species called Homo Alientus (of which you are one), have discovered that the human body is a complex machine made up of several systems. These systems include respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, nervous, reproductive, sensory (the senses) and circulatory. Each one has several body parts which work together to perform a particular function. For example, the respiratory system includes the mouth, trachea, nasal passage, lungs, bronchial tubes and alveoli. This system supplies oxygen to every part of our body. Oxygen is needed to transform (oxidise) food into fuel for the body.

BODY SYSTEMS Respiratory Digestive Skeletal Muscular Nervous Reproductive Sensory (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing) Circulatory

TASK

You are part of an alien expedition to Earth. Your species, Homo Alientus is facing extinction unless you can transplant one suitable human system into your species. Your mission is to discover which human body system will be the most useful for your species. You will have enough time on Earth to investigate three body systems and decide which one you would recommend for transplant in order to save your species.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

• What body parts are found in each system you have chosen?
• How does the system function?
• Why is this system important?
• What do you need to do to keep this system healthy?
• Where is the system located in the body?

PLANNING YOUR TASK

• Print out Summary Sheet for comparing systems.
• Print out a Clusionform for your conclusion.
• Visit the web sites to gather information and record on your Summary Sheet.
• Remember to define words or terms you do not understand.

• Check library books, CD Rom, journals and video resources for additional information to add to your summary sheets.
• Analyse your system information and decide which one you would choose for transplanting.
• Briefly outline on your Clusionform why you chose this system.

PRESENTATION

You will give an oral presentation to the Council of Homo Alientus Elders about the system you have chosen for transplant. It must include:

• A suitable title.
• A large labelled diagram of the chosen system and its location in the body. (You will use this as a visual aid. )
• An outlne of the parts of the system , the way it works and how it is kept healthy.
• Your reasons for choosing to transplant this system into your species.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

You may like to:

1. Make an alien mask or costume to wear for your presentation.

2. Build a model of your species with the tranplanted system in it.

* * Remember to cite your sources.