Page 86 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

Grade 12, University Preparation
e1. evaluate the impact on the human body of selected chemical substances and of environmental factors related to human activity;
e2. investigate the feedback mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in living organisms;
e3. demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of human body systems, and explain the mechanisms that enable the body to maintain homeostasis.
E1. Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | science
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will:
e1.1 assess, on the basis of findings from a case study, the effects on the human body of taking chemical substances to enhance performance or improve health (e.g., the risks and benefits of taking large quantities of vitamins or amino acids; the effects on the human body of sub- stances that people use to cope with stress) [PR, AI, C]
Sample issue: Steroids are a class of drugs that can be used for healing and building of tissues under proper medical supervision. However, if used for the wrong purpose, such as athletic performance enhancement, or if they are taken incorrectly, steroids can be dangerous and re- sult in negative long-term effects on many body systems.
Sample questions: How do certain classes of drugs help with neurotransmission in the brain? What effects does aloe vera have on the human body? How do common antidepres- sants work? Why should people, especially young people, be carefully monitored when on such medications? What are the possible side effects of statin drugs used to lower choles- terol? Why has the federal government proposed legislation to regulate natural health products?
e1.2 evaluate, on the basis of research, some of the human health issues that arise from the impact of human activities on the environment (e.g., the effects of synthetic estrogen compounds released into our water systems; the effects of leaching of compounds from plastic products into soil and water) [IP, PR, AI, C]
Sample issue: Human-produced biosolids are a low-cost source of nutrient-rich organic matter that is often spread on agricultural land rather than being sent for incineration or landfill dis- posal. Opponents of land application of biosolids are concerned about the potential health impact of heavy metals, bacteria, and drugs that may remain in the biosolids.
Sample questions: In what ways have mining, forestry, and hydroelectric developments affected the health of Aboriginal people in Northern Ontario? What are the links between air pollu- tion and respiratory diseases such as asthma? What types of human activity have led to the thinning of the ozone? What human health con- ditions are related to this phenomenon? How can the dumping of chemicals down sinks and into storm sewers affect the incidence of skin conditions among swimmers at local beaches?

e. homeoStASiS OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will: