The document outlines the endocrine system, detailing its organs and how they communicate through hormones, which are produced and stored in specific glands. Key organs discussed include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testes, each playing a crucial role in regulating body functions such as metabolism and reproduction. It also provides a hands-on activity for students to create a model of the endocrine system to better understand hormone pathways and organ functions.

1. The Endocrine System

2. In this lesson:
 You will learn about the endocrine system and
how it works
 You will have a chance to make your own model
of the endocrine system

3. How the system communicates
 The organs of the endocrine system communicate with
each other and the rest of the body using hormones.
 Hormones are made and stored in their originating
organ. The place they are sent is called the target.
 Targets can be anything from all the bones in the body
to another endocrine organ.
 When the hormones reach their target, they trigger
events in that location.

4. Hypothalamus and Pituitary
Hypothalamus
Located in the brain, the
hypothalamus releases hormones
which stimulate or suppress the
production of other hormones
throughout the body.
Pituitary
The pituitary is a small body
that hangs in the central area
of the brain. It produces
hormones which help control
the body’s water and
electrolyte levels, help with
childbirth, trigger the
production of sex hormones,
and promote body growth.

5. Thyroid and Parathyroid
Thyroid
The thyroid is located around
the esophagus. It creates
hormones which control
metabolic processes in all cells
and control blood calcium
levels.
Parathyroid
The parathyroid is a group of
small glands that are found on
the thyroid and emit hormones
which help regulate calcium
throughout the body. If levels get
too low the bones will be
instructed to release more; if the
levels get too high the bones are
told to absorb the extra calcium.

6. Adrenal Gland
The adrenal gland is really two
glands, which are situated on top
of either kidney. The adrenal gland
makes hormones which regulate
the body’s water and electrolyte
levels as well as hormones which
control the metabolism of proteins,
lipids, and carbohydrates. The most
noticeable thing it does is protect
the body from…
Kidneys

7. Pancreas
The pancreas is located between
the two kidneys. Produces
hormones which adjust
carbohydrate metabolism. When
blood sugar levels rise (after you
eat) insulin lowers the levels;
when blood sugar levels are low
(if you haven’t eaten all day)
glucagons raises the blood levels.

8. Ovaries and Testes
Ovaries
Ovaries are found in the
abdomen of women. They
produce hormones which assist
with the development of the
female reproductive organs and
prepare the uterus for
pregnancy.
Testes
Testes are found in the scrotum
of males. They generate
hormones which facilitate the
development of male
reproductive organs and produce
sperm.

9. Let’s Build A Model
 By building a model of the endocrine system, you can
show how the hormones travel through the body and
different areas are affected.

10. Supplies
 One piece of butcher paper, longer than you are tall
 Markers, pencils, or pens
 Play-Doh or modeling clay
 String

11. Procedure
 Working in partners, have one student lie down on the
butcher paper. Outline their body with markers, pens or
crayons.

12. Procedure (2)
 Shape the organs
of the endocrine
system in Play-Doh
or modeling clay.
 Place the organs in
the correct places
on the drawing you
have made.

13. Procedure (3)
 Use pieces of string to draw paths showing
where the hormones travel from their
originating organ to their target. Draw target
areas on the drawing if it will help show where
the hormones are acting.

14. Procedure (4)
 Select an organ of the endocrine system
to present to the class. Each group should
explain one organ’s function.
 Write a short description of the organ’s
location and function.
 Show the rest of the class your model of
the endocrine system and discuss your
chosen organ.