Did you know your body is made up of trillions of tiny cells? Or that your heart beats 100,000 times every day without you even thinking about it? From the DNA that makes you uniquely you to the immune system that protects you from germs, the human body is filled with incredible systems working together every moment of every day. And the best part? There’s so much to discover!
In our Human Biology Family Unit Study, you’ll explore the amazing science of the human body through hands-on activities. Investigate the building blocks of life, extract DNA from a strawberry, discover how blood and the immune system keep you healthy, uncover the science behind boogers and brushing your teeth, and learn how doctors use X-rays to see inside the body. Along the way, you’ll even explore the accidental discovery of penicillin – one of the most important medical breakthroughs in history!
Below, I’m sharing all 10 topics included in the unit study along with some of the engaging activities you’ll experience together. From edible cell models and bacteria investigations to heart-rate experiments and scavenger hunts, this unit study makes learning about the human body an unforgettable adventure!
What is a Family Unit Study?
But first… what exactly is a Family Unit Study?
This unit study, like all of our ever-growing library of unit studies, takes one big theme—Human Biology—and breaks it down into ten manageable, bite-sized learning topics filled with engaging activities for kids. This format gives you the freedom to dive into learning at a pace that works for your family. Perhaps you do one topic per day, perhaps one per week. Whatever suits your fancy! You can learn about human biology and explore a topic from start to finish in about 1-2 hours each.
Dive in and watch the sparks of wonder ignite. Watch the child-led learning take off. Watch what happens when children are engaged in what they are learning!
Each of the 10 topics includes:
- an interesting fact,
- a discussion question,
- informative information,
- a curated YouTube video,
- a recommended book,
- a math or literacy enrichment question (with three difficulty levels),
- and an ultimate-can’t-be-beat hands-on activity!
Plus, all subjects are covered across the 10 topics! Geography, History, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Health, Literacy, and Math.
When everything connects across subjects, learning just makes more sense. Kids remember more, understand better, and actually enjoy the process. It’s the kind of learning that really sticks. 🙌
Before we uncover the amazing science of the human body, I wanted to share a little something to make your homeschool days just a bit easier (because we all need that, right?).
Our Mini Homeschool Toolbox is a simple, go-to resource filled with helpful printables – like math charts, number lines, and writing supports – to keep your days organized and your lessons running smoothly.
It’s completely free and so handy to have on hand as you move through your homeschool routine. Simply enter your email address below, and a copy will be instantly delivered to your inbox.
Human Biology Unit Study for Kids
Now, let’s take a closer look at the 10 fascinating topics you will cover in the Human Biology Unit Study.
Topic #1: Inside Your Cells
Did you know your body is made up of trillions of tiny cells? In this topic, you’ll discover how these remarkable building blocks of life work together to keep you healthy and strong as you explore the organelles that power, protect, and maintain every cell. Then, turn a cupcake into a delicious cell model, using candies and treats to represent the different organelles as you build, learn, and snack your way through cell biology!
Topic #2: DNA: The Body’s Blueprint
Did you know that if all the DNA in your body were stretched out, it could reach from the Earth to the Sun hundreds of times? Discover how DNA acts as the body’s blueprint, carrying the instructions that make you uniquely you and helping your body grow, function, and stay healthy. Then, become a real-life scientist as you extract visible strands of DNA from a strawberry and witness one of nature’s most incredible building blocks up close!
Topic #3: Genetics and Punnett Squares
Did you know that only about one in five people can wiggle their ears? Explore the fascinating world of genetics and discover how traits are passed from biological parents to their children, creating the unique characteristics that make each of us who we are. Then, use Punnett squares to design your very own creature, predicting inherited traits and bringing your one-of-a-kind creation to life!
Topic #4: All About Blood
How does a simple cut know when to stop bleeding? Explore the amazing world of blood and discover how this vital liquid delivers oxygen, fights infection, and helps heal injuries. Then, build a hands-on blood model in a jar to investigate the different parts of blood and the important role each one plays.
Topic #5: Your Immune System and Germs
What would happen if your body couldn’t fight off germs? Explore the fascinating immune system and learn how special cells, tissues, and organs work together to protect you from illness. Then, become a microbiologist as you collect samples from different surfaces, grow bacteria on agar plates, and investigate where germs are hiding in your environment!
Topic #6: The Science of Boogers
Have you ever wondered why your body makes boogers? Discover the surprising science of mucus and learn how this sticky substance helps trap dust, dirt, and germs to protect your body from illness. Then, explore the fascinating properties of liquids through a colorful paint-pouring art activity that demonstrates how substances can flow, spread, and change shape – just like mucus!
Topic #7: The Layers of Your Teeth
Did you know there are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on Earth? Take a closer look at the incredible structure of your teeth and discover how layers like enamel, dentin, and pulp work together to keep your smile strong and healthy. Then, conduct a fascinating teeth-brushing experiment using an egg to model tooth enamel and see firsthand why brushing is so important for protecting your teeth.
Topic #8: Cardiology and Heartbeats
Your heart beats about 100,000 times every day without you even thinking about it! Discover how this incredible muscle pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell so you can move, think, and grow. Then, investigate the connection between music and your heart as you measure your pulse and compare how different tempos affect your heart rate.
Topic #9: Radiology and X-Rays
Invisible energy beams can reveal the hidden structures inside your body. Learn how X-rays create detailed images of bones and why they are such an important tool in modern medicine. Then, transform into a radiologist-in-training as you search for X-ray images and match them to the correct bones in the body.
Topic #10: The Discovery of Penicillin
What if one small observation could save millions of lives? Discover how Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin transformed medicine and helped doctors fight dangerous bacterial infections. Then, become a history reporter and create a newspaper article covering this groundbreaking scientific breakthrough.
And there you have it – the ten engaging topics that make up our Human Biology Family Unit Study! From the tiniest of cells and strands of DNA to the powerful heart and immune system, this unit study helps children discover the amazing science happening inside their own bodies every day.
Filled with hands-on experiments and creative projects, Human Biology makes learning science memorable, meaningful, and fun for the whole family.
Grab your copy today and discover the incredible science happening inside you every single day!
Human Biology Family Unit Study
https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-human-biology
Thanks so much for reading, friend!
xo
Sarah
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