Life Sciences Term 2

5: The endocrine system

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  This online synchronous meeting will take place on Date | Time. Attendance is compulsory.

• Introduction

  The endocrine system uses chemical messengers namely hormones.  It is a system comprising of feedback loops of the hormones that are released by endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream.  These hormones are transported to target organs or tissues where they carry out their functions. Some of the functions carried out by hormones are the body’s growth, metabolism and sexual development and function.

  Hence, the endocrine system has the following main functions, namely regulating metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, reproduction, sexual function, sleep and mood.

  In the Grade 12 CAPS, specific focus is on the thyroid gland, sexual development that links with human reproduction, the adrenal glands, and the pituitary gland. 

  Other important concepts in this topic are homeostasis and negative feedback mechanisms that learners need to know.
  

• Module overview

  This module deals with the endocrine system. We will look at the different glands and the hormones they secrete as well as each hormone’s function.

  Next, we will look at homeostasis and the different negative feedback mechanisms.
  

• Learning outcomes

  By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Differentiate between endocrine and exocrine glands
  • Discuss the differences between the nervous system and the endocrine system
  • Identify the different endocrine glands and the hormones they secrete
  • Discuss the different negative feedback mechanisms
  • Define homeostasis.

• Study materials

• MGSLG. (2020). Module 5 study guide File 1.6MB
• MGSLG. (2020). PPT: Life Sciences Module 5 Endocrine System File 1.5MB
• MGSLG. (2020). Fact sheet: The human endocrine system File 872KB
• Videos Page
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  Module structure

  Unit 1: What is the endocrine system?

  • Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below.

• MGSLG. (2020). Module 5 Unit 1 Page
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  Unit 2: What is a negative feedback mechanism?

  • Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
  • In a NEW Word document, complete activity 5.1 on pages 13 - 14 of the study guide. Save your document in the following format: Full name_Module 5
  • Submit your document using the submission tool below.

• MGSLG. (2020). Module 5 Unit 2 Page
• Module 5: Submission tool Assignment
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  Subject methodology

  Enrichment resources

• Doc Bartlett. (2019). Video: Endocrine disorders (CC BY) Page
• Healthline. (nd). Endocrine system overivew URL
• Khan Academy. (2011). Video: Intro to the endocrine system (standard YouTube licence) Page
• Kids Health. (nd). Teacher's Guide: Endocrine System Grs 9 - 12 File 1.8MB
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  Technology support

  Have a look at the Amy Brown Science website below: it may provide you with some ideas for lesson plans and activities on the endocrine system. There are some free materials available on this site. Can you find any other useful sites / resources that you can use as a teaching aid?

• Amy Brown Science. (nd). The endocrine system URL
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  Review the free material that is available on the OER Commons website. We encourage you to 'bookmark' this website, since there are a wealth of free resources available online here.

• OER Commons. (nd) Endocrine system URL
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  Module summary

  The endocrine system together with the nervous system coordinates most of our bodily functions. Homeostasis and negative feedback mechanisms are important concepts that learners need to know. There are links to human reproduction as well as to grade 11 syllabus.  Ensure that your learners are well prepared for the examination by drawing the links between the content. Also ensure that learners answer more or less hormones are secreted because there are always a small amount of the hormones in the bloodstream. They should never say – no hormones are secreted.