top of page

Respiratory Systems

Multicellular organisms contain systems of organs that carry out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

LG1: RespratorySystem

The Human Respiratory System

Outline the role of the respiratory system in supporting life processes.

​

The respiratory system plays a crucial role in supporting life processes by facilitating the exchange of gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment.

 

Some key functions include:

​

  1. Gas Exchange: The primary function of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen (O2) from the air and remove carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by cellular metabolism in the body's tissues. This process occurs in the lungs through diffusion across the alveoli.
     

  2. Immune Defense: The respiratory system includes mucous membranes and cilia that help filter and trap foreign particles, preventing them from entering the lungs and causing infections.

BIO [8-9]_Respiratory System (DIAGRAM).jpg

By the end of this section, you should be able to:
 

  • LG1 - Outline the role of the respiratory system in supporting life processes.
     

  • LG2 - Describe the structure and function of the lungs.
     

  • LG3 - Describe the flow of oxygen & carbon dioxide in the lungs from breathing.
     

  • LG4 - Describe how exchange of gases occurs between the blood and the alveoli of the lungs.
     

  • LG5 - Compare the respiratory system of humans with different organisms.
     

  • LG6 - Investigate how the Covid-19 virus and/or vaping effect the respiratory system. 
     

  • Review & Consolidation

ACTIVITY 1: Colour, Symbol Image​

​

CSI: Circulatory System - Visible Thinking Routine
(Printable Template)

LG2: The Lungs

The Lungs

Describe the structure and function of the lungs.

​

The lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system, and they consist of several structures with specific functions:
 

  • Bronchi and Bronchioles: These are air passages that lead from the trachea to the alveoli. They help in the conduction of air to and from the lungs.
     

  • Alveoli: Tiny air sacs at the end of bronchioles where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide exits through the alveolar walls.
     

  • Pleura: A double-layered membrane surrounding each lung that reduces friction during breathing.
     

  • Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles: Muscles responsible for breathing. 

BIO [8-9]_Lungs (DIAGRAM).PNG

DEMO: Sheep Lung Pluck​

​

​

  • Demonstrate how lungs inflate by pumping air into the trachea of a sheep pluck.
     

  • Demonstrate how lung tissue is full of air by floating a chunk in water. ​

ACTIVITY 2: Observing Lung Tissue​

​

​

Observing Lung Tissue
(Printable Worksheet)

Analysing Lung
Tissue History 
(Thinking Exercise)

To complete this activity, you will need a microscope, pre-made lung tissue slides and the worksheet & PDF attached. ​

LG3: Breathing

Breathing

Describe the flow of oxygen & carbon dioxide in the lungs from breathing.

​

Breathing refers to the process of inhaling and exhaling air, involving the movement of respiratory gases between the external environment and the lungs. It is a vital physiological function necessary for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the respiratory system.
 

The process of breathing typically involves the following steps:

​

  • Inhalation: During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, and the ribcage expands. This increases the the space inside the chest, causing air to rush into the lungs.
     

  • Gas Exchange: In the lungs, oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the bloodstream, binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells. At the same time, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli.
     

  • Exhalation: The diaphragm relaxes, and the ribcage contracts, decreasing the thoracic cavity volume. This forces air, now rich in carbon dioxide, out of the lungs.

ACTIVITY 3: Build a breathing model

​

You will need:

  • 1x plastic bottle

  • 2x balloons

  • Tape

  • Scissors

  • Rigid straw

BIO [8-9]_Lung Model (PA).png
BIO [8-9]_Breathing Model (PA).PNG

FA: Breathing

Breathing 
(Formative
Assessment)

Breathing 
(Answer Key)

Gas Exchange

Describe how exchange of gases occurs between the blood and the alveoli of the lungs.

​

During the process of inhalation, oxygen diffuses from the alveoli, into the bloodstream in the lungs. Concurrently, carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the alveoli, ready to be exhaled during the subsequent breath. This intricate exchange mechanism guarantees the effective delivery of oxygen to the body's cells for vital energy production, while simultaneously facilitating the removal of the metabolic byproduct, carbon dioxide.

LG4: Gas Exchange
LG5: Other respiratory sstems

Other Respiratory Systems

Compare the respiratory system of humans with different organisms.
 

Animals have evolved various respiratory systems to extract oxygen from their environment and expel carbon dioxide. These respiratory systems can be broadly categorized into different types based on their mechanisms and structures. Here is an outline of some of the main ways animals breathe:

​

  1. Gills: Structures that contain thin filaments with a large surface area for gas exchange. Example: Fish
    ​​

  2. Tracheal system (spiracles): Small openings on the body surface of the body that allow air to enter the tracheal system, which consists of a network of tubes that deliver oxygen directly to cells.  Example: Insects
     

  3. Skin / Body Surface (cutaneous / cuticular respiration): 
    Oxygen is directly absorbed from the environment, but it is generally limited to moist environments. Example: Frogs
     

  4. Butt (cloacal respiration): Some animals extract oxygen through the cloaca, a common opening for excretion and reproduction. Example: Some species of turtles.

ACTIVITY 4: Comparing Respiratory Systems​

Observe the six animals shown. In discussion with peers, try to match each animal to their unique respiratory system trait. ​

How do they breathe? 
(Thinking Exercise)

Complete this activity as an introduction to the content.

ACTIVITY 5: Imagine if...​

Imagine if humans had a respiratory system like one of the animals previously described. What positive and negative impacts might this have on human functioning? How would the human body need to be different to accommodate this type of respiratory system. Select an animal respiratory system and work in teams to answer the above questions. 

Students will swap-and-share their findings with their peers in triad-group presentations. Students will provide peer constructive feedback during the sharing process. 

Peer Feedback

(Template)

Imagine if...

(Respiratory System)

LG6: Respiration SHE-SIS

Factors Effecting Respiratory System Functioning

Investigate how the Covid-19 virus and/or vaping effect the respiratory system. 

​

Both COVID-19 and vaping can have detrimental effects on the respiratory system, impacting lung function and increasing the risk of respiratory complications.

​

COVID-19 and the Respiratory System:

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, sneaks into your body through respiratory droplets, especially aiming for your breathing zone. It causes inflammation, making your airways tight, and sometimes leading to pneumonia or serious breathing troubles like acute respiratory distress syndrome. This virus can even cause long-term coughing and breath issues.

​

Vaping and the Respiratory System:

Vaping puts exposes your respiratory system to yucky stuff like nicotine and other chemicals. It can cause inflammation, irritation, and damage to the tiny hair-like things in your lungs (cilia). If you make vaping a regular thing, you're rolling out the red carpet for more respiratory infections and serious respiratory diseases. 

BIO [8-9]_Vaping (IMAGE).jpg

ACTIVITY 6: Factors Effecting Respiratory Function​

Select either Covid-19 or vaping and investigate its impacts on the respiratory system by completing one of the science inquiry tasks provided. 

Vaping & the Respiratory System

(SHE-SIS)

Covid & the Respiratory System

(SHE-SIS)

Vaping & the Respiratory System

(Answer Key)

Covid-19 & the Respiratory System

(Answer Key)

Review & Consolidation

Review & Consolidation

Reflect on your achievement of the learning goals. 
 

LG1 - Outline the role of the respiratory system in supporting life processes.
 

LG2 - Describe the structure and function of the lungs.
 

LG3 - Describe the flow of oxygen & carbon dioxide in the lungs from breathing.
 

LG4 - Describe how exchange of gases occurs between the blood and the alveoli of the lungs.
 

LG5 - Compare the respiratory system of humans with different organisms.
 

LG6 - Investigate how the Covid-19 virus and/or vaping effect the respiratory system. 

ACTIVITY 8: Review & Consolidation​

​

Respiratory System - Visual Summary (Printable)

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 2:
Review Respiratory System

​

Respiratory System

(Formative Assessment)

Respiratory System 
(Answer Key)

bottom of page