The Human Body

Curriculum Information

Curriculum Area: Key Stage 3 Technology
Specific Year Group: Year 8 (ages 12-13)
Level: Intermediate

Lesson Objectives

1. Identify major parts of the human body and their functions.
2. Understand the importance of each body part in relation to technology (e.g., ergonomics).
3. Apply knowledge by designing an ideal ergonomic workstation.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• A3 paper sheets
• Colour pencils/markers
• Sticky notes
• Model of the human skeleton (if available) or a detailed diagram

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Greeting & Overview: Welcome students and explain today's focus on the human body.
2. Objective Presentation: Briefly outline the three main objectives for the lesson.

Main Activity

Part 1: Identification (10 minutes)

1. Engage: Ask students to brainstorm and write down as many body parts as they can in 1 minute.
2. Write on Whiteboard: Collect responses and write them on the whiteboard.
3. Discussion: Discuss the function of each part mentioned (focus on essential parts such as the brain, heart, lungs, muscles, bones, etc.).

Part 2: Importance in Technology (10 minutes)

1. Ergonomics Introduction:
   • Provide a brief explanation of ergonomics and its importance in designing tools, workspaces, and devices.
   • Use simple examples like computer workstations, mobile phones, and gaming setups.
2. Group Discussion: In pairs, have students discuss why understanding the human body is vital when designing technology. Each pair will share one point with the class.

Part 3: Application (15 minutes)

1. Activity Introduction: Explain to students that they will be designing their ergonomic workstation.
2. Design Task:
   • Hand out A3 paper and markers.
   • Give instructions to draw a workstation that includes considerations for posture, arm and eye positions, and support for the back and legs.
3. Guidance: Circulate around the classroom to provide support and answer questions. Encourage creativity and practical thinking.

Plenary (5 minutes)

1. Present Designs: Invite a few students to present their ergonomic workstation designs.
2. Reflection: Ask students to share one new thing they learned from the lesson.
3. Summary: Recap the importance of understanding the human body in technology and ergonomics.

Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Through observation, group discussions and the final workstation designs.
• Peer Assessment: Students to give constructive feedback on each other's workstation designs.

Homework (Optional)

Ask students to find one example of poor ergonomics in their home or school and suggest how it can be improved based on today's lesson.

By connecting the human body to real-world applications such as technology and ergonomics, this lesson aims to engage Key Stage 3 students in both understanding foundational biology and applying it to technological design.