Young Voices The Biology Of Diabetes (Page 3 of 5) in pdf

to the pan balance. Another person balances it with the appropriate combination of weights. Once

the object is balanced, the first object is taken off and a different one added. Continue this,

increasing the speed with which the objects are switched out to demonstrate a dynamic system and

the challenge of balancing such a system.

From what we already know, what would happen if not enough insulin was made by the pancreas?

How is the balance of glucose in the body similar to balancing masses on a pan balance?

Use the interactive, Body Atlas: Diabetes, to demonstrate to students where the pancreas is and

explain what it does for the body. What happens if the balance of glucose in the blood is not

maintained?

Explain that the pancreas must work to produce insulin to regulate glucose in the bloodstream. Have

students view the video, “Diabetes” from the program, Behind the News: Medical Marvels and record

the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. A clear description of the two types is found in

the video clip, “Description of the Two Types of Diabetes Mellitus.” You may also wish to have

students view the video, “Connection Between the Pancreas and Insulin” to discover the history of

how the relationship between diabetes and insulin was discovered and a treatment found.

Lesson Assessment:

Have students complete the chart explaining what the causes and symptoms and cures are for Type

1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Vocabulary:

• Type 1 diabetes- a disorder where the body does not produce insulin

• Type 2 diabetes- a disorder where the body does not produce insulin, does not respond

properly to insulin, or both

NSES Standards Addressed:

Scientific Inquiry: Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence.

Life Science: The Cell: Most cell functions involve chemical reactions. Food molecules taken into

cells react to provide the chemical constituents needed to synthesize other molecules. Both

breakdown and synthesis are made possible by a large set of protein catalysts called enzymes.

Life Science: Matter, Energy, and organization in living systems: The chemical bonds of food

molecules contain energy. Energy is released when the bonds of food molecules are broken and

new compounds with lower energy bonds are formed.

Personal and Community Health: Personal choice concerning fitness and health involves multiple

factors; selection of foods and eating patterns determine nutritional balance; many diseases can be

prevented, controlled, or cured; Some diseases . . . result from specific body dysfunctions and cannot

be transmitted.

Historical perspectives: Usually, changes in science occur as small modifications in extant

knowledge; scientific knowledge evolves by changing over time, almost always building on earlier

knowledge.

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