Lesson 4: Development & Gestation (Homeostasis of Pregnancy)
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Describe the physiological changes in the mother and the developmental milestones of the fetus.
How does a mother’s body support two lives at once? What role does the placenta play as a "multi-system" organ?
Zygote, Blastocyst, Implantation, Placenta, Umbilical Cord, Amniotic Fluid, Trimester
HS-LS1-2 (Development), HS-LS1-3 (Homeostasis)
Analyzing data regarding fetal growth rates and maternal blood volume changes.
Description: Investigating how the body adapts to pregnancy and the critical windows of development.
Purpose: To observe large-scale homeostatic shifts.
DOK 3.
The impact of Teratogens (alcohol, nicotine, certain drugs) on the developing fetus during the first trimester.
Thinking the mother’s and baby’s blood "mix" directly. (Correction: The placenta allows for exchange without mixing blood).
Create a "Gestation Timeline" using everyday objects to represent fetal size (e.g., poppy seed to watermelon).
Formal Lab Report on "Maternal Homeostasis," calculating the change in cardiac output and caloric needs during pregnancy.
Fetal development models; ultrasound video clips.