This Connected Learning Experience explores how cell specialisation helps animals survive.

In this investigation, the specialised structures and functions of cells in the tongue are explored to determine how this organ helps animals survive.

Claims regarding the taste map of the tongue, published in 1901, are evaluated through planning and conducting experiments, processing, analysing and evaluating the data.

Learning intentions

Students will be able to:

• understand that the tongue is an organ with different specialised cells;
• conduct experiments to determine the types of tastes which the tongue can sense;
• investigate the claim that the taste buds on the tongue can be mapped to show different tastes associated with different regions;
• make and record accurate observations;
• identify patterns from observations;
• evaluate the evidence gathered and compare this to the ‘tongue map’ claim;
• understand that scientific knowledge changes as new evidence becomes available.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S8U01 (Year 8), AC9S8U02 (Year 8)