Unveiling the Lungs: A Journey Through the Respiratory System

Biology Grades High School 9:36 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Explore the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, tracing the path of air from inhalation to gas exchange.

Video Resource

Meet the lungs | Respiratory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine

Duration: 9:36
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Anatomy of the respiratory system (mouth, nose, trachea, lungs, bronchi, alveoli)
  • Function of the respiratory system (gas exchange)
  • Role of the diaphragm and ribs in breathing
  • Difference between left and right lung

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the major structures of the respiratory system and describe their functions.
  • Explain the process of gas exchange in the alveoli.
  • Describe the role of the diaphragm and rib muscles in breathing.
  • Differentiate the differences between the left and right lungs.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students about their understanding of breathing and the purpose of lungs. Introduce the video and its relevance to understanding the respiratory system.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Meet the lungs | Respiratory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy". Instruct students to take notes on key structures and processes.
  • Anatomy Exploration (15 mins)
    Discuss the anatomical components of the respiratory system. Have students label a diagram of the respiratory system, identifying the mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx (voice box/Adam's apple), trachea, bronchi, lungs (right and left), lobes, cardiac notch, diaphragm, ribs, and alveoli.
  • Physiology Explanation (15 mins)
    Explain the process of gas exchange. Use diagrams or models to demonstrate how oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli. Discuss the role of the diaphragm and rib muscles in inhalation and exhalation. Explain the differences between the left and right lung and their functions.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the respiratory system. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Respiratory System Model
    Students can build a simple working model of the lungs using a plastic bottle, balloons, and straws to demonstrate the mechanics of breathing.
  • Lung Dissection
    Students can dissect a sheeps or pigs lung to visually see the different anatomical features discussed.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for the lungs to have a large surface area (due to the alveoli)?
  • How does the respiratory system work with the circulatory system to deliver oxygen to the body's cells?
  • What happens to the diaphragm when you inhale?
  • Why does the left lung have a cardiac notch?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Diagram labeling
  • Understanding complex systems
  • Scientific literacy

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which structure is also known as the voice box?

Correct Answer: Larynx

Question 2:

Gas exchange, where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves, occurs in the:

Correct Answer: Alveoli

Question 3:

Which muscle contracts to allow inhalation?

Correct Answer: Diaphragm

Question 4:

Which lung has three lobes?

Correct Answer: Right lung

Question 5:

The 'cardiac notch' is a feature of which lung?

Correct Answer: Left lung

Question 6:

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Correct Answer: Gas Exchange

Question 7:

The trachea branches into two tubes called:

Correct Answer: Bronchi

Question 8:

The muscle located below the lungs that aids in breathing is the:

Correct Answer: Diaphragm

Question 9:

Oxygen is transported from the lungs to the body's cells by:

Correct Answer: Red blood cells

Question 10:

What waste product is expelled from the body during exhalation?

Correct Answer: Carbon Dioxide

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The air travels from the mouth or nose to the back of the ______.

Correct Answer: throat

Question 2:

The structure commonly referred to as the Adam's apple is also known as the _______ _______.

Correct Answer: voice box

Question 3:

The trachea splits into two main tubes called ______.

Correct Answer: bronchi

Question 4:

The tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs are called _______.

Correct Answer: alveoli

Question 5:

The muscle that aids in breathing and sits below the lungs is the _______.

Correct Answer: diaphragm

Question 6:

The right lung has _______ lobes.

Correct Answer: three

Question 7:

The heart is located within the _______, protected by the ribs and diaphragm.

Correct Answer: thorax

Question 8:

The lungs resemble a tree, also know as the _______ tree.

Correct Answer: bronchial

Question 9:

The left lung has the _______ _______, which is where the heart is located.

Correct Answer: cardiac notch

Question 10:

Blood vessels that are close to the alveoli allow for the exchange of oxygen and _______ _______.

Correct Answer: carbon dioxide

Educational Standards

B.LS1.2:[Standard] Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. B.LS1.3:[Standard] Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the importance of maintaining homeostasis in living organisms.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz Export to Google Docs
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans