Why is the astronaut in a space suit?
I always enjoyed asking that question to biology students. Knowing the knew the answer is one thing, but the question and the crafted discussion was a setup of what was to come. After all, I wanted to expand their view of the situation and use the discussion throughout the entire unit (3 chapters).
The space suit serves as a barrier between two environments – one suitable for the human body, and the other quite harsh – therefore, the space suit is a container similar to a can of vegetables on the grocery self.
The body within the space suit is also a container with a barrier separating different environments on each side of the barrier. Within the human body are several cavities – open spaces that are sealed spaces for organs. For instance, the chest cavity is sealed with a protective barrier to play an important role in inhaling and exhaling. Yes, another container within a container that is inside the protective space suit.
Tissues and organs (composed of tissues) are not only within the cavities, but throughout the body. Tissues are composed of two or more different types of cells working together in a common function. Surprise, surprise, surprise – cells are also containers because each cell has a protective barrier (cell membrane) separating two environments. It is through these membranes that essential materials pass through to reach their site of need for processing. Through these same membranes, the waste removal process occurs.
Cells contain individual parts with specialized functions. Are you surprised to know that many of these parts are covered with protective barriers separating two distinct environments?
Substances continually pass in and out of the cell through the membrane. Some of these movements occur naturally without the cell expending energy. On the other hand, some movements require energy to occur.
Cells are the reason we take in oxygen from the atmosphere and return carbon dioxide. Cells are the reason we eat. Cells are the reason the heart pumps blood throughout the body to transport nutrients and carry away wastes. Cells are the reason we go to the bathroom. Cells are the reason all vital activities exist.
Cells have to survive in order to reproduce. Cells require food and eliminate wastes. Cells must interact with their surrounding environment. Cells require amino acids to produce proteins. Cells contain DNA to serve as the code of life not only for itself, but for the organism as a whole. As Bruce Lipton (scientist) states, “In reality, a cell is a biological mini-me compared to the human body. A cell has every biological system that you have.” …. now, that is quite the container.
It’s like a Russian matryoshka doll, one barrier within the next. I never thought of the space suit as a can on the grocery shelf. But of course you are right. 🙂
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Otto,
I love the matryoshka doll analogy – perfect for this post. So good, wish I would have thought of it! Meanwhile, glad you enjoyed may analogies.
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Love this discussion! I bet your students loved your classes. Critical thinking, would be nice if all students were still taught that skill. I’m not sure it is happening anymore.
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Patti,
Glad you enjoyed this and thanks for the kind words. As an administrator once told me, students didn’t have much middle ground with me – meaning they either praised me or didn’t like me.
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Great lesson in containers, Frank!
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Dale,
Just wanted to give something for readers to think about.
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It worked.
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I always enjoy learning by illustration, and this was a very effective presentation. I am sure your students always enjoyed coming to class, Frank.
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Shimon,
Glad you saw this post because (in my opinion) fits with your style. As for my students, yes – some enjoyed it – but others didn’t it.
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Good lesson Frank – loved the can analogy! I was really glad to see you mention Bruce Lipton at the end – his work is ground breaking, fascinating and inspirational.
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Pauline,
Thanks for the kind words. When I saw Lipton’s words, I knew it was perfect for this post!
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I just put “The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles” by Bruce Lipton in my Cincinnati Public Library queue. Your post also has me wondering whether our universe is a container, and whether we all are mini-me’s of whatever is outside the container?
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Tim,
Glad I was able to give you something to ponder.
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Good lesson(s), Frank! I’m sure your students enjoyed–and remembered it.
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Merril,
Glad you enjoyed my analogies and connections. Who know if any students got something from in for the long-term.
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Frank,
The concept of life, broken down into its most basic (and complicated) essence is fascinating. It’s like deep sea diving, in that you are exposed to worlds unto themselves.
Great look inside!
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I have always been impressed with cell function. This was an excellent view of the most basic life forms.
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John,
Agree – cell function is impressive! For me, actually mind-blowing in the macro sense. 🙂
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🙂
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Imagine the look on students’ faces when they’re told that skin is the largest organ of the human body. Priceless.
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Monika,
Been there done that – and yes, many won’t believe – just as many don’t buy into “Hot air doesn’t rise!
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Well…like too many others, I’m not a scientist…but… 😇
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🙂
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Fabulous post! I can barely contain myself.
Ah, I’m in a mood today. I need to break out of this cell!
All fun aside, I learned a lot here today!
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Resa,
There is only one way for me to respond to your comment. https://tinyurl.com/2qr8dv
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Luv it!
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It’s a thought I’ve entertained many times, Frank. I have trillions of mini-me within and within. A fascinating fact.
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Carolyn,
The fact that I’ve reinforced your thought is quite gratifying. Thanks!!!!
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Thanks for the very interesting lesson! Your students were fortunate to have you.
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Jo,
Thanks for the kind words. As for my students – some felt fortunate and others not so.
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So, basically, we humans are a container of smaller containers of even smaller containers, all contained within a barrier (skin) made of tiny containers.
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X,
Your description fits not only for humans, but for all living things.
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It’s true for all living things who have skin, but think that insects, crabs or other critters who have a chitin exoskeleton don’t have a protective barrier made of cells.
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All those living things are a series of containers within containers. Period.
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Yes – just not all have a outer container barrier made of other containers.
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