Using Microcontrollers to Model Homeostasis
The body completes a series of “opposite” actions, such as shivering to warm up and sweating to cool down. This negative feedback “corrects” unstable states.Copyright 2012 ChancroVet, Wikimedia Commons {PD} https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temperature_Regulation.jpg
Students learn about homeostasis and create models by constructing simple feedback systems using Arduino boards, temperature sensors, LEDs and Arduino code. Starting with pre-written code, students instruct LEDs to activate in response to the sensor detecting a certain temperature range. They determine appropriate temperature ranges and alter the code accordingly. When the temperature range is exceeded, a fan is engaged in order to achieve a cooling effect. In this way, the principle of homeostasis is demonstrated. To conclude, students write summary paragraphs relating their models to biological homeostasis.
It is critical that biomedical engineers, doctors and pharmacists understand the mechanisms through which the human body controls its processes. Being too hot or too cold (or too hydrated/too dehydrated) can result in severe health consequences. Through the use of the Arduino system in this activity, students learn that modeling is a fundamental way to understand biological systems as well as a tool often used by engineers.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define homeostasis.
- Give an example of homeostasis within the body.
- Relate the microcontroller experiment to homeostasis.