Today’s Walking Classroom podcast focuses on the body’s defense shields, which are sometimes a bit slimy. The human body protects us through various defense systems and communicates various health conditions. Earwax, mucus, and sweat are among some of the defense systems that help keep us healthy and safe. Some things we normally think are gross can actually be important; it is valuable to appreciate the purpose in everything.
Character Value: Patience
Click for Standards Alignment
Common Core
L–Language | SL–Speaking and Listening | RI–Reading: Informational | RL–Reading: Literature | W–Writing | RH–6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies | RST–6-8 Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects Elementary School:RI.3.1, RI.3.2, RI.3.3, SL.3.1, SL.3.4
RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.3, SL.4.1, SL.4.4
RI.5.1, RI.5.2, RI.5.3, SL.5.1, SL.5.4
Middle School:
RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.3, SL.6.1, SL.6.4
RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.3, SL.7.1, SL.7.4
RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.3, SL.8.1, SL.8.4
RST.6-8.4
Next Generation Science Standards
PS–Physical Science | LS–Life Science | ESS–Earth and Space Science | ETS–Engineering, Technology and the Application of Science Elementary School: 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2Middle School: MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-8
Supplemental Resource Links and Downloads
Quiz: (Make sure you're already logged into your Gmail account, then click to copy this Google form to your Google Drive. Quiz keys are here.)
Human Body’s Slimy Shields Google Quiz
Slide Deck:
Human Body’s Slimy Shields Slide Deck
Covers how viruses invade and what can help stop them.
Talks about banana slugs and the importance of their slime.
Explains the science behind sweat, wrinkly fingers, and sunburn.
Demonstrate knowledge of the human body’s slimy shields by solving this crossword puzzle.
Learn more about mucus and other things that keep the body healthy in this activity from Community Resources for Science. Note: This activity is designed for younger students, but could be adapted for older students.
See More Podcasts in Subject Area: Science
See More Themed Groupings that Contain this Podcast: Life Skills, The Human Body