Endocrine System Lesson Plan - A Complete Science Lesson Using the 5E Method of Instruction

By the end of this lesson about the endocrine system, lesson plan, students will be able to identify the main functions of the endocrine system and how it is structured. They'll also be able to identify the main organs associated with the endocrine system. Each of our lessons is designed using the 5E method of instruction to ensure maximum comprehension by the students. This well-thought out unit does the heavy lifting, giving teachers easy-to-implement, highly engaging lesson plans.

This blog will walk you through each of the steps and activities of the Endocrine System 5E Lesson Plan.

ENGAGEMENT

Objective Introduction

At the beginning of the lesson, the class will do a Think-Pair-Share to discuss the objective.

Class Activity

Watch the video using the provided link.

Student Activity

1. Which gland is in charge of the endocrine system?
2. Which gland regulates growth?
3. Which gland regulates metabolisms?
4. Which gland produces adrenaline?
5. Which gland is the largest and produces insulin?
6. Which glands help in sexual development in boys and girls?

The teacher will then help to clear up any misconceptions their students have about the endocrine system. A common but major misconception, for example, is that students think hormones are only produced during puberty, glands are part of the body that swells when sick, and the nervous system controls the body’s response to fear.

Estimated Class Time for the Engagement: 20-30 minutes

EXPLORATION

This student-centered station lab is set up so students can begin to explore the endocrine system. With nine stations in total, you can introduce the endocrine system to your middle school students in a variety of ways! Four of these stations are considered input stations where students will learn new information about how the body regulates itself, and four of the stations are output stations where students will be demonstrating their mastery of the lesson's material. A bonus station offers challenges for your early finishers and independent learners. You can read more about how I set up the station labs here.

Watch It!

At this station, students will be watching a short video explaining the endocrine system. Students will then answer questions related to the video and record their answers on their lab station sheet. For example: What is homeostasis? What are three main functions of the endocrine system? Describe the process of how hormones can impact change in the body.

Read It!

This station will provide students with a one-page reading about the endocrine system. There are four follow-up questions that the students will answer to demonstrate their comprehension of the reading material.

Explore It!

Students will be working in pairs to better understand the endocrine system. In this station, students will be observing diagrams pertaining to the endocrine system. As they explore, students will record their observations on their lab sheet.

Research It!

The research station will allow students to explore an interactive webpage that has students take a scientific approach to understanding the endocrine system. Students will be instructed to complete a few tasks and record answers on their lab sheets.

Organize It!

Students at this station will match the sets of cards. Students will read a series of cards and will match the descriptions to their correct labels. Once students have completed their organization, the teacher will check their understanding.

Illustrate It!

Your visual students will love this station. Students are to create and label a diagram that shows the function of the endocrine system.

Write It!

Students who can answer open-ended questions about the lab truly understand the concepts that are being taught. At this station, the students will be answering three task cards: Explain the endocrine system including the structures involved and the function of the system. Explain how the endocrine system works in conjunction with another body system. Explain in your own words the difference between hormones and glands.

Assess It!

The assess it station is where students will go to prove mastery over the concepts they learned in the lab. The questions are set up in a standardized format with multiple choice answers. Some questions include: Which is not a part of the endocrine system? Which of these activities is related to the endocrine system? What is the function of the glands in the endocrine system? _______ is the relative constancy of the environment despite external or internal changes.

Challenge It! - Bonus Station

Early finishers and advanced students will love the extension activities in this station. Four activity choices offer them ways to expand their learning through mini-games and mini-projects.

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: One or two 45-minute class periods

EXPLANATION

The explanation activities will become much more engaging for your class once they’ve completed the exploration station lab. During the explanation piece of the lesson, the teacher will be clearing up any misconceptions their students may have about the endocrine system with a variety of materials. These materials include on-level and modified versions of the interactive presentation (may be used individually or projected), anchor charts, and paper or digital interactive notebook activities. If you have students that need modified notes, the 5E lessons come equipped to help give every student access to the lesson.

The students will also be interacting with their journals while taking notes from the PowerPoint. If you have students that need modified notes, the 5E lessons come equipped to help give every student access to the lesson.

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: Two or three 45-minute class periods

ELABORATION

The elaboration section of the 5E method of instruction gives students choices that allow them to prove they’ve mastered the concepts behind the lesson. When students are given a choice, they’re much more enthusiastic and invested in the project than they are when their teachers choose their projects for them. There are a total of nine choices to demonstrate understanding of the endocrine system. A separate set of choices that offer more teacher support are also available for students that need them. Rubrics guide students to doing their best work and assist in grading.

Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: Two or three 45-minute class periods (can also be used as an at-home project)

EVALUATION

The final piece of the 5E model is to evaluate your students' comprehension. Included in every 5E lesson is a homework assignment, assessment, and modified assessment. Research has shown that homework needs to be meaningful and applicable to real-world activities in order to be effective. When possible, I like to give open-ended assessments to truly gauge the student’s comprehension.

Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: One 45-minute class period

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