Indiana Science HS-AP7-5

ScienceGrades 9–12Integration and Coordination, the Endocrine System

The Standard

Construct an explanation for maintaining blood sugar levels via endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.

Indiana Academic Standards for Science (2023) · Integration and Coordination, the Endocrine System

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students trace how pancreatic enzymes help break down starch in the small intestine before glucose enters the blood. They explain how the pancreas releases insulin or glucagon into the blood to keep glucose levels steady.
What Mastery Looks Like: After a meal, a student can show insulin helping cells take in glucose and the liver store it. During a fast, they can show glucagon prompting the liver to release glucose. They can place digestive enzymes in the intestine, not the blood.
Common Misconceptions: Students may say insulin raises blood glucose or glucagon lowers it. They may think insulin digests starch, or that pancreatic digestive enzymes enter the blood.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: After eating oatmeal, where does pancreatic amylase go, and how does insulin help lower blood glucose? What does glucagon do if you skip lunch?

Lesson moves

Use starch and sugar cards in a paper small intestine; apply an amylase card, then move glucose counters between blood, liver, and cells.
Ask, “Why does pancreatic amylase go to the small intestine while insulin enters the blood?” Have students trace a slice of toast.
Give pairs meal and fasting cards; have them match each to insulin or glucagon and sketch glucose movement between blood and liver.
Read a cereal box carbohydrate label; have students sketch starch digestion after breakfast and the insulin response, then predict what happens before dinner.

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