Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual
Body Temperature Regulation
Explain how the human body detects and responds to environmental changes including temperature, including the role of the skin in temperature regulation (sweating, shivering, vasodilation, vasoconstriction)
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Explains what homeostasis means in the context of body temperature
- Describes at least two mechanisms the body uses to cool down and two to warm up
- Explains why maintaining a constant core body temperature is important for enzyme activity
Assessment prompt
If Body Temperature Regulation got too hot on a summer day and started sweating, could they explain what the body is doing to cool itself down — and why it's so important to keep body temperature steady?
Standards alignment
KS3.Sci.Bio.Health.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Effects of environmental changes on the body
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3