The placenta

The placenta

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
In the placenta there are blood vessels from the mother and other blood vessels which lead to the foetus. Materials from the mother's blood diffuse out and these materials then go into the blood vessels of the foetus. The reverse situation also occurs, but blood from the mother and foetus does not mix.
 
a)
Name two important substances that the foetus would require from the mother.
 
___________________________   and   ___________________________  
 
b)
Name two wastes produced by the foetus that are taken away by the mother's blood.
 
___________________________   and   ___________________________  
 
c)
The blood of the mother does not mix with that of the foetus.
What could happen if it did?
 
_______________________________________________________________________
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pen and paper.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Living World
Keywords: 
Life processes, placenta, nutrients, waste products
Description of task: 
Students answer questions about the materials that pass through the placenta between the mother and the baby.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.

Capability: Use evidence
This resource provides opportunities to discuss using logical reasoning and emerging science understandings to make inferences.
Science capability: Use evidence (TKI)

 
Science capabilities: 
Use evidence
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (11/1999)
a)

Any 2 of:

  • oxygen
  • salts
  • nutrients or named example; glucose, amino acid, simple fats
  • antibodies
  • vitamins (A, C, D, E and K)
 2 correct – moderate

1 correct – easy
b) carbon dioxide and urea

2 correct – very difficult

1 correct – moderate
c) Blood types may be incompatible, or explanation of what could occur, e.g., red cell clumping, red cell rupture. very difficult