Emerging Science Classroom Connections Developed by Elizabeth Mirra, Springfield High School, Springfield, Vermont

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1 Emerging Science Classroom Connections Developed by Elizabeth Mirra, Springfield High School, Springfield, Vermont Content/Topic: Acupuncture: A Connective Tale Framework for K-12 Science Education Concepts: LS1.D From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes Systems of specialized cells within organisms help them perform the essential functions of life, which involve chemical reactions that take place between different types of molecules, such as water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Multicellular organisms have a hierarchical structural organization, in which any one system is made up of numerous parts and is itself a component of the next level. Essential Questions: How do the structures of cells and tissues enable them to carry out their necessary functions? How effective are alternative treatment methods compared to traditional medicine? Use evidence from articles and the video to support your response. Engaging Activities: Group Discussion 1. Why do we say cells are the building blocks of life? 2. What life functions do both single cells and multicellular organisms have in common? Classroom Activities and Suggested Connections to Video 1. Before viewing the video have students read all or part of the following article Relationship of Acupuncture Points and Meridians to Connective Tissue Planes (December 15, 2002 issue of The Anatomical Record). a. The abstract of the article is developed into a Common Core State Standards close reading activity in the attached document. b. For the full article (which is available through subscription), teachers may want to jigsaw the reading so that each student group could focus on summarizing one section and then present the information to the rest of the class. 2. Students could use microscopes to observe prepared slides representing several examples of each of the four types of tissues (e.g. cartilage, blood, nerve, muscle, skin, etc.). Students should sketch each tissue sample and then describe the similar characteristics of each of the four tissue types (connective, nerve, muscle, epithelial). If prepared slides are not available, students can observe tissue samples online. 3. Questions for discussion after viewing the video: a. What is the history of acupuncture? How do acupuncturists describe how acupuncture works? b. What is connective tissue? Where is connective tissue found in the human body? c. What role is connective tissue thought to play in acupuncture? d. What technologies are being used and developed to help explain how acupuncture works?

2 e. What are we learning about the relationship between connective tissue and pain? f. What types of therapies, other than acupuncture, are now thought to involve connective tissue? 4. Students could research how various tissue types work together in an organ of the body to allow the body to maintain homeostasis. Students can present their information as scientific writing or as an oral presentation. Extension Activities/Resources NSTA Learning Center: Cell Division and Differentiation: Multicellular Organization This Science Object investigates the hierarchy and various structures of the groups of specialized and unspecialized cells in multicellular organisms. Dartmouth Medical School-Virtual Histology A variety of high quality images of various tissues types. Could be used for a virtual lab.

3 1470 L Model for Explicit Instruction of Complex Text Title: Relationship of Acupuncture Points and Meridians to Connective Tissue Planes ABSTRACT Type of text: Informational Langevin, Helene M. and Yandow, Jason A V.269: , Grade Level: 9-12 Learning Objectives: To describe results of current research on acupuncture a new hypothesis. CC Standards: Reading (RSTS , 2, 7, 9, &10); Writing (WSTS , 2, 4, 6-9); Speaking & Listening (SL , 2, & 4); Language ( L , 4 & 6); Science (LS1.D From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes) Instructional Plan 1. Provide background information, when necessary, to give students a context in which to understand the text. 2. Read the text out loud as students follow along. 3. Students reread the text independently. 4. Guide discussion of the text with a series of specific text-dependent questions and tasks. 5. Give students a choice of constructed response writing prompts to assess their understanding of the text. Providing additional application or inquiry questions for students can guide critical thinking about the content..

4 Relationship of Acupuncture Points and Meridians to Connective Tissue Planes Helene M. Langevin and Jason A. Yandow The Anatomical Record 4 DEC V.269: , Acupuncture meridians traditionally are believed to constitute channels connecting the surface of the body to internal organs. We hypothesize that the network of acupuncture points and meridians can be viewed as a representation of the network formed by interstitial connective tissue. This hypothesis is supported by ultrasound images showing connective tissue cleavage planes at acupuncture points in normal human subjects. To test this hypothesis, we mapped acupuncture points in serial gross anatomical sections through the human arm. We found an 80% correspondence between the sites of acupuncture points and the location of intermuscular or intramuscular connective tissue planes in postmortem tissue sections. We propose that the anatomical relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes is relevant to acupuncture's mechanism of action and suggests a potentially important integrative role for interstitial connective tissue.

5 Text Chunked Vocabulary Text-based Questions/Expected Responses Acupuncture meridians traditionally are believed to constitute channels connecting the surface of the body to internal organs. meridians constitute What do the authors consider to be the role of acupuncture meridians? We hypothesize that the network of acupuncture points and meridians can be viewed as a representation of the network formed by interstitial connective tissue. This hypothesis is supported by ultrasound images showing connective tissue cleavage planes at acupuncture points in normal human subjects To test this hypothesis, we mapped acupuncture points in serial gross anatomical sections through the human arm. We found an 80% correspondence between the sites of acupuncture points and the location of intermuscular or intramuscular connective tissue planes in postmortem tissue sections interstitial ultrasound cleavage planes serial gross intermuscular intramuscular planes postmortem How are the interstitial connective tissues related to acupuncture points and medians? What evidence do researchers have as a basis for this hypothesis? What procedure did the researchers follow? Why is this 80% correspondence significant/important? We propose that the anatomical relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes is relevant to acupuncture's mechanism of action and suggests a potentially important integrative role for interstitial connective tissue relevant integrative How have the researchers interpreted the results of their research?

6 Writing Activities Writing Prompts to Assess Student Understanding of Text: What is the relationship between acupuncture meridians and connective tissue? Application or Inquiry Question to Guide Critical Thinking: What are other theories about how acupuncture effects the human body?

Administrative - Master Syllabus COVER SHEET

Administrative - Master Syllabus COVER SHEET Purpose: It is the intention of this to provide a general description of the course, outline the required elements of the course and to lay the foundation for