Indiana Science HS-AP7-3
The Standard
Compare and contrast the hormones of the hypothalamus-pituitary complex. Analyze the function of each hormone and connect them to feedback signals for the gonads, thyroid, and adrenal cortex.
Indiana Academic Standards for Science (2023) · Integration and Coordination, the Endocrine System
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain what hypothalamic and pituitary hormones do. They trace signals to the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads, then predict how feedback changes hormone release.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students connect TRH to TSH and thyroid hormones, CRH to ACTH and cortisol, and GnRH to LH, FSH, and sex hormones. They predict that high cortisol lowers CRH and ACTH. They know the hypothalamus makes ADH and oxytocin, while the posterior pituitary releases them.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may say the posterior pituitary makes ADH and oxytocin. They may think rising cortisol raises ACTH, rather than slowing its release through feedback.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Fill in TRH → ___ → thyroid hormones, CRH → ___ → cortisol, and GnRH → ___ and ___ → sex hormones. Mark which two signals fall when cortisol rises.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place cups labeled hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, gonads, and adrenal cortex; use hormone cards and yarn arrows to build three pathways and feedback loops.
Ask: Why would ACTH fall after cortisol rises? Have students write a two-sentence answer using CRH and negative feedback.
Play a matching race with GH, prolactin, ADH, and oxytocin cards and cards labeled growth, milk production, water retention, and uterine contractions.
Hand out a mock lab report showing low thyroid hormone and high TSH; ask students which gland may be underactive and why.
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Printable HS-AP7-3 Worksheet
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