SECTION 1 – RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The object of this lesson is for students to learn about the structure and function of the respiratory system through experiments and through research done in books and on the Internet.

Science IRP:

It is expected that students will:

LESSONS:

  1. In class, ask students what they already know about the Respiratory System. Ask them what they would like to learn.
  2. In the computer lab, have students enter the Internet and in the box beside location, type in:

    3. http://www1.bellevuepublicschools.org/curriculum/k6web/fifthgrade/bodysys/respiratorysystem.html

    or go to the page of links to use with these units.

  3. From these students can answer the questions on worksheets "The Respiratory System". If you run out of time in the computer lab to answer these, have students use resources in the library to continue the sheets.
  4. In class conduct experiments to help students solidify their knowledge of the Respiratory System. For some experiment ideas go to these web sites:
  • Find out how much air we breathe. - http://www.iit.edu/~smile/chbi9907.htm
  • Create a lung - http://www.iit.edu/~smile/bi9203.html


    • These experiments and more can both be found at:     http://www.iit.edu/~smile/biolinde.html
    1. As part of the culminating activity for this unit students can create a life-sized model of the human Respiratory and Circulatory systems. In partners, have students draw their outlines on large cardboard or on rolled out construction paper. You can decide if you would rather have them draw the two systems or construct them using various materials.

    At this point, students can begin to create their reproduction of the Respiratory system. Have them label the parts and explain their functions. As a class you should arrive at a marking criteria for the entire project with students deciding what must be included in their diagram and how much each section is worth.

    Here are some more good websites for learning about the respiratory system:

    Your Lungs and Respiratory System - Here you can watch a movie about a breathing test.

    Kid's Biology .com

    ANSWERS TO WORKSHEETS:

    1. The system of our body that deals with breathing and getting oxygen in to the blood.
    2. Oxygen goes in and carbon dioxide comes out.
    3. Nose and Mouth: Places where air goes in.

      Trachea: Windpipe – Tube that carries air down our throat towards the lungs.

      Bronchi – The trachea splits into two bronchi which carry air to the lungs.

      Bronchioles – Tubes in the lungs after the bronchi which continue to carry air into the lungs.

      Alveoli – Air sacs in the lungs, they deliver oxygen to the blood.

      Diaphragm – Muscle that controls the breathing process.

    4. Capillaries, small blood vessels, are wrapped around the alveoli. Air seeps through the thin walls of the capillaries and carbon dioxide seeps into the alveoli.
    5. The diaphragm flattens causing the chest to expand and air goes into the lungs. It relaxes and the chest collapses causing air to go out.

    From Amazing Facts:
    1. Right lung is larger.
    2. Fastest sneeze is 165km per hour.
    3. Capillaries stretch out 1600 km.