This engaging lesson explores the principle of homeostasis and examines how animals maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in their external environment. Students investigate thermoregulation in different animal groups before exploring the hormonal control of blood glucose levels.

The lesson covers endothermic, ectothermic and poikilothermic organisms, the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation, and physiological responses to temperature changes. Students then develop their understanding of blood glucose homeostasis by examining the roles of the pancreas, insulin, glucagon and glycogen.

A variety of discussion questions, application activities and recall tasks help students apply their knowledge to real-world biological scenarios.

Learning Objectives
Define thermoregulation and explain its importance.
Compare methods of temperature regulation in different animal groups.
Describe physiological responses to high and low body temperatures.
Explain the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation.
Understand how blood glucose levels are maintained through homeostasis.
Describe the functions of insulin and glucagon.
Explain the relationship between glucose and glycogen.
Included in this Resource

Full lesson PowerPoint

Introduction to homeostasis

Thermoregulation content covering:
Endothermic animals
Ectothermic animals
Poikilothermic animals
Advantages and limitations of each strategy

Mammalian temperature control mechanisms:
Hypothalamus function
Thermoreceptors
Sweating
Vasodilation
Vasoconstriction
Erection of body hair
Increased metabolic heat production

Application-based temperature regulation activity

Blood glucose regulation content:
Importance of glucose for cellular respiration
Hypoglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia
Pancreas function
Hormonal control of blood glucose
Insulin and glucagon pathways
Glycogen storage and release

Suitable For
KS4 Biology
GCSE Biology
Applied Science
Health and Social Care
Anatomy & Physiology
BTEC Science
Access to HE Science
Post-16 Biology courses
Skills Developed
Understanding of negative feedback mechanisms
Scientific knowledge and understanding
Application of biological concepts
Data and process interpretation
Recall and retrieval practice
Scientific vocabulary development
Critical thinking and problem-solving

This comprehensive lesson provides students with a clear understanding of how the body maintains stable internal conditions through thermoregulation and blood glucose control, linking biological theory to practical physiological processes.

Keywords: homeostasis, thermoregulation, blood glucose regulation, insulin, glucagon, glycogen, pancreas, hypothalamus, negative feedback, endothermic, ectothermic, poikilothermic, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, GCSE Biology, anatomy and physiology, Applied Science.