Negative Feedback Systems Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Diagram showing negative feedback loop with arrows in a cycle

🎯 WALT: Understand how negative feedback systems maintain balance in living organisms

Success Criteria:

• I can explain what negative feedback is
• I can identify examples of negative feedback in the human body
• I can analyse how negative feedback maintains homeostasis

Part 1: Understanding Negative Feedback

1. What is negative feedback? Choose the BEST definition:

A system that makes changes bigger

A system that reverses changes to maintain balance

A system that only works when you're ill

A system that stops working when it gets too hot

2. Which of these are examples of negative feedback in the human body? (Tick ALL that apply)

Body temperature regulation

Blood sugar control

Muscle growth from exercise

Water balance in kidneys

Blood pressure regulation

3. Complete this sentence about homeostasis:

Negative feedback helps maintain _________________ by detecting changes and _________________ them back to normal levels.

Part 2: Analysing Body Temperature Control

4. Explain how your body uses negative feedback to control temperature when you get too hot. Include these key terms: receptors, brain, effectors, response

5. A student says: "When I exercise, my body temperature rises, so negative feedback has failed." Evaluate this statement. Is the student correct? Explain your reasoning.

6. Compare what happens to body temperature in hot weather versus cold weather. How does negative feedback work differently in each situation?

Part 3: Extension Challenge

7. Higher Order Thinking: Predict what would happen if negative feedback systems stopped working properly. Choose ONE system (temperature, blood sugar, or water balance) and describe the consequences.

8. Real-World Application: Design a simple negative feedback system for your bedroom temperature. Draw and label your system below, showing: stimulus → receptor → control centre → effector → response

9. Extension Activity: Research one medical condition where negative feedback doesn't work properly (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism). Write a brief summary of how this affects the body.

Differentiation Support:
For additional support: Focus on questions 1-4 and use the key terms box below
For extension: Complete all questions and research question 9 in detail

Key Terms: homeostasis, stimulus, receptor, control centre, effector, response, balance