Homework: Reading “The Big Climb” Read and annotate the “The Big Climb: A Story in Large and Small Scale” article. Then, choose an
example from the article that shows what is happening to the rock climbers’ bodies at the large
scale. Describe what is happening to rock climbers’ body systems and cells at the small scale.








Find a part of the article that describes signals that are sent within Diego’s body. Where does the
the signal comes from, and how does it cause Diego to feel or react?



The Big Climb
A Story in Large and
Small Scale
Diego and Gabe stand by a tree at the bottom
of a huge cliff. The rock goes up for hundreds
of feet above them. By tomorrow, the brothers
plan to be standing at the top, looking back
down at this tree. First they’ll need to haul
themselves, their gear, and all their food and
water up the rock. Diego is excited to go on
his first overnight climb with his older brother.
They’ll sleep tonight on a special tent platform
part of the way up, then finish the climb to
the top tomorrow morning. Diego and Gabe
have been planning for this trip for months by
training in the gym and outdoors.
7:46 a. m.: Getting ready
What’s happening at a large scale
This morning, Diego and Gabe filled up on big
bowls of oatmeal and nuts for breakfast. Their
meal had plenty of starch, and some protein as
well. Standing at the bottom of the cliff, Diego
stretches and takes a deep breath.
What’s happening at a small scale
Diego’s metabolism is already going strong,
even though he hasn’t started the climb. The
food that Diego ate for breakfast is travelling

through his digestive system. Digestive
enzymes are breaking down starch molecules
from the food into glucose molecules and
breaking down protein molecules into amino
acid molecules. Some of the molecules are
already moving into Diego’s blood in his
circulatory system. As Diego breathes in,
oxygen enters his respiratory system and
passes from his lungs into his blood. Diego’s
cells are going to need these molecules as he
climbs the cliff.