Activity 1.2.1: Identity – It’s Up to You

Introduction
When you think of your own identity, what comes to mind? Do you think about your appearance? Your personality? Perhaps your family and your cultural origins? The processes that occur in all of our bodies unite us as human beings. But it is the tiny differences – from what’s going on inside, to what we experience on the outside – that can make us truly unique.

Tissues are groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function and are the living fabric that holds together the human design. In this course, you will examine the four main classifications of tissue – epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous – in more detail as we examine their specific role in human body systems. This activity will provide an introduction to bone, muscle and fat, all types of tissue that contribute to the framework of the human body.

Today, you will begin to use clay to give your Maniken® an identity. As you learn to work with the clay and sculpt the cheeks, the eyes and the mouth, your model will come to life. Your Maniken® will be given a name and over the course of the year, a unique body of interrelating systems. Before we focus on the common processes of this amazing human machine, let’s focus on what makes us unique- from our appearance, to the structure of our bones and organs, down to the DNA inside of our cells.
Equipment
Computer with Internet access and Inspiration® software
Anatomy in Clay® Maniken®
Assorted colors of clay
Wire tool or wooden knife
Colored pencils
Laboratory journal
Microscope
Prepared tissue slides
Bone
Adipose
Skeletal muscle
Simple columnar epithelium
Body system graphic organizers (Skeletal View)
How to Use a Microscope- Student Resource Sheet
Procedure
PART I: Tissue Basics
1. With a partner, use the Internet to review the function and location in the body of each of the four basic categories of human tissue – epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous. Remember that even though there are four main classes, there are specific tissue types under each category. Take notes in your laboratory journal.
2. Use Inspiration software to create a concept map for human tissue. You must include the following words, but add connections and other terms as you see fit.
Tissue
Cells
Epithelial tissue
Connective tissue
Muscle tissue
Nervous tissue
Neurons
Cartilage
Blood
Tendons
Ligaments
3. Add images or photographs to your concept map to help reinforce your words.
4. For each of the four main categories, assign one word that summarizes the role this type of tissue plays in the body. Using a different color, write this word in the box/bubble for that particular tissue type.
5. In this activity, focus on three specific types of tissue- bone, skeletal muscle and fat (adipose). Find a logical place for these three words on your concept map and add them to your organizer.
6. Before you view these types of tissue, review how to use the microscope. Refer to the How to Use a Microscope Student Resource Sheet you received in PBS. Your teacher will provide you with an additional copy, if needed.
7. Carefully view the prepared slides of bone, adipose and skeletal muscle under both low and high power. You may have all slides at your station or you may have to rotate them around the room.
8. Using colored pencils, sketch what you see in your laboratory journal. Make sure to label each picture and to note the magnification.
9. Now view the prepared slide of simple columnar epithelium. Sketch what you see in your laboratory journal.
10. Answer conclusion questions 1 and 2.
PART II: Building Identity- Giving Your Maniken® A Face
Throughout the course, you will be asked to mark specific bones and structures on your Maniken®. For each bone, you will to identify and find the structure on your model. Use a pencil to number the bone (starting with #1). On a blank body system graphic organizer (skeletal view),