Contextualization

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. It is a remarkable system that has evolved over millions of years to protect our bodies from harm. Without it, even the smallest infection could be deadly.

The immune system is divided into two main parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense and includes physical barriers, such as the skin, as well as cells that can quickly respond to infection. The adaptive immune system, on the other hand, is more specific and takes longer to mount a response. It includes immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, that can recognize and remember specific invaders, allowing the body to mount a quicker and stronger response if it encounters the same invader again.

The immune system is an incredibly intricate and fascinating system that involves a wide array of cells and molecules. It is responsible for not only protecting the body from infection, but also for preventing the growth of cancer cells and for moderating the body's response to harmless substances, such as pollen or certain foods, to prevent allergies.

Understanding the immune system is not only important for understanding how our bodies work, but it is also crucial for developing new treatments for diseases. For example, many diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, involve failures of the immune system. By understanding how the immune system normally works, scientists can develop new therapies that can help to boost or suppress the immune system, depending on the disease.

Resources

1. Khan Academy Course: The Immune System
2. National Cancer Institute: Understanding the Immune System
3. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Immune System
4. Book: "The Immune System: A Very Short Introduction" by Paul Klenerman
5. Video: How does your immune system work? - Emma Bryce

Practical Activity

Activity Title: The Immune System Battle - Building a Defense Strategy

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to create a detailed 3D model of the immune system and demonstrate its functionality, specifically focusing on how it defends the body from infections.

Detailed Description of the Project

In this project, students will work collaboratively in groups of 3 to 5 to create a 3D model of the human immune system. This model should be detailed, accurate, and clearly demonstrate the structure and function of the immune system's key components.

Moreover, students will also need to prepare a detailed script for a short skit, or a storyboard for a short animation, to explain how the immune system works to defend the body from infections. This should include how the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system work together, as well as how the immune system can sometimes fail, leading to diseases such as cancer or autoimmune disorders.

The project will integrate various subjects, including biology, art, communication, and teamwork skills.

Necessary Materials

• Cardboard or any other material for the 3D model.
• Craft supplies (colored paper, markers, glue, scissors, etc.) for detailing the model.
• Internet access and computer for research and preparing the script or storyboard.
• Access to a quiet space for rehearsing and recording the skit or animation.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying out the Activity

1. Research Phase (4 hours): Start by conducting research on the immune system using the provided resources. Each group member should take responsibility for researching a specific part of the immune system, such as the skin as a physical barrier, or the role of T cells in the adaptive immune response. Make sure to take detailed notes and cite all sources.

2. Planning Phase (2 hours): Once the research is complete, each group should discuss how they can bring their part of the immune system to life in a 3D model. Sketch out a rough plan of the model and decide how you will divide the work.

3. Model Building Phase (6 hours): Start building the model. Use the materials provided to create the different components of the immune system. Make sure to label each part and include any necessary details to demonstrate its function.

4. Skit/Animation Planning Phase (2 hours): While building the model, start planning the script for the skit or the storyboard for the animation. The script or storyboard should clearly explain how the immune system works and how it defends the body from infections.

5. Skit/Animation Production Phase (6 hours): Once the model is complete, start rehearsing the skit or creating the animation. The skit should be no longer than 5 minutes and should be engaging and educational. The animation should be between 2-3 minutes long and should also be engaging and educational.

6. Presentation and Documentation Phase (2 hours): Present your model and skit/animation to the class. After the presentation, each group should compile all their research, notes, model sketches, and final script or storyboard into a detailed report.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group will submit a detailed report containing the following sections:

1. Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance, and real-world application. Also, state the objective of the project.

2. Development: Detail the theory behind the immune system, describe the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and finally present and discuss the obtained results.

3. Conclusion: Revisit the project's main points, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project.

4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources used for the research, such as books, websites, videos, etc.

In addition to the report, each group will also submit their 3D model and a recording of their skit or animation.

Project Grading Criteria

The project will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Accuracy of the 3D model: Does the model accurately represent the immune system's key components and their functionality? Are all parts clearly labeled?

• Quality of the Skit/Animation: Does the skit or animation clearly explain how the immune system works? Is it engaging and educational?

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Did all group members contribute equally to the project? Was there effective communication and problem-solving within the group?

• Written Report: Is the report well-organized and clearly written? Does it demonstrate a deep understanding of the immune system and the project's objectives?

The project's delivery and the associated report should reflect the group's understanding of the immune system's structure and functions, as well as their ability to work collaboratively, think creatively, and communicate effectively.