Human Body Functions

Grade 5 Science – 70 Minutes

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Curriculum Connections

Ontario Curriculum 2023 – Science and Technology – Grade 5

Strand: Understanding Life Systems – Human Body Systems and Health

• Overall Expectation:
  D1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structures and functions of various systems of the human body and how they work together to sustain life.

• Specific Expectations:

  • D1.1 Identify major parts of the human body and describe their basic functions.
  • D1.2 Describe the role of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems in keeping the body functioning.
  • D1.3 Explain how body systems work together to maintain health and respond to changes both inside and outside the body.

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Learning Goals (I Can Statements)

• I can identify the major parts of the human body and describe their functions.
• I can explain the roles of different body systems (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous).
• I can describe how different body systems work together to keep me healthy.

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Success Criteria

• I can label diagrams of body systems correctly.
• I can explain at least two functions of a body system in my own words.
• I can give examples of ways body systems cooperate to keep me healthy.

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Materials Needed

• Large printed or digital diagrams of human body systems
• Body system cards (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous) with pictures and brief descriptions
• Whiteboard and markers
• “Body system puzzle” printouts (jigsaw-style cutouts with organs and labels)
• Projector for multimedia presentation (optional)
• Worksheets for note-taking and reflecting
• Colouring materials for drawing activity

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Engagement & Activate Prior Knowledge (10 minutes)

• Begin with a quick interactive warm-up:
  Ask students to raise their hand when you name a body part (e.g., "Raise your hand if you know what your heart does!”).
• Conduct a brief class discussion to recall what they already know about the human body.
• Introduce today’s goal: “Today, we will explore the functions of various parts of our body and how these parts work together to keep us healthy.”

Differentiation: Use visuals and gestures to support English Language Learners (ELLs) and struggling learners.

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2. Direct Instruction – Body Systems Overview (15 minutes)

• Present a clear, simple overview of the six major body systems under focus: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous.
• Use a labelled diagram on the board or projector to show these systems.
• For each system, briefly explain:
  • Major parts (e.g., bones for skeletal system, heart for circulatory)
  • Primary functions (e.g., support/movement for skeletal and muscular, oxygen transport for respiratory)
• Invite students to ask questions after each system.

I can… Identify and describe functions of major body systems.

Differentiation: Provide printed reference cards for slower processors or visual learners to follow along.

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3. Interactive Group Activity – Body System Puzzle (20 minutes)

• Divide class into six small groups of 3-4 students.
• Each group focuses on one body system and receives:
  • A puzzle set of that system’s organs/parts
  • Body system information cards
• Task: Assemble the puzzle, discuss the function of each part, and prepare to share 2 key facts with the class.
• Groups also colour their system’s organs on provided worksheets to reinforce learning through artistic expression.

Success Criteria: Correctly assemble puzzle and explain key functions.

Differentiation: Assign roles within groups (e.g., puzzle assembler, note taker, presenter) catering to students’ strengths.

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4. Group Presentations & Whole Class Discussion (15 minutes)

• Each group presents their system:
  • Name the system
  • Show their completed puzzle
  • Share two main functions of the system
• After each presentation, facilitate a brief Q&A or connections:
  • Ask “How do you think this system works with another body system?”
  • Highlight how systems cooperate (e.g., respiratory and circulatory work together to transport oxygen).

I can… Explain in my own words how body systems function and cooperate.

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5. Wrap-Up Reflection & Assessment (10 minutes)

• Have students complete a quick exit ticket (written or oral): Answer the question
  “Name one body system and explain how it helps your body.”
• Discuss a few answers aloud, encouraging peer feedback.
• Highlight the importance of body systems for health and wellbeing.

Differentiation: Provide sentence starters for students who require writing support, e.g., "The ________ system helps me by..."

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Extension Ideas / Homework

• Ask students to keep a “Body Systems Journal” for one day, noting any times they notice their bodies working (e.g., breathing during exercise, feeling muscles move).
• For advanced learners, research an additional body system not covered (e.g. endocrine or immune).

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Observe student engagement during group tasks to assess collaboration skills.
• Use exit tickets to gauge comprehension and note any concepts needing re-teaching.
• Adjust pacing where necessary depending on class interest or comprehension levels.

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By the end of the lesson, students will have a foundational understanding of the functions of major human body parts and systems, aligned with the Ontario curriculum, and will be able to relate how the body maintains life through system interactions.