Subject: Science
Grade Level: Grade 4
Objective: To understand the structure and function of the lungs.
Learning across the curriculum:
- Language Arts: Students can write a narrative or descriptive essay about a day in
the life of their lungs.
- Physical Education: Students can participate in aerobic exercises to experience the
increased demand for oxygen in the lungs.
- Mathematics: Students can calculate their lung capacity based on their age and
height using a formula.
Elicit:
- Begin by asking students if they know what the lungs are and what their function is.
- Show a diagram of the respiratory system and ask students to label the lungs.
- Discuss any prior knowledge or experiences related to the lungs.
Engage:
1. Show a video clip of athletes participating in intense physical activities and ask
students to observe how their breathing changes.
2. Conduct a mini-experiment where students run in place for one minute and then
observe and discuss how their breathing feels.
3. Play a game of "Simon Says" where students have to perform actions that require
deep breathing, such as pretending to blow up a balloon or imitating a deep sigh.
Explore:
Activity 1: Lung Model
Materials: Balloons, straws, tape, scissors
Instructions:
1. Divide students into pairs.
2. Instruct each pair to blow up a balloon and tape a straw to the end of it.
3. Demonstrate how to inhale and exhale through the straw to inflate and deflate the
balloon.
4. Have students take turns inhaling and exhaling through the straw to observe the
balloon's inflation and deflation.
Rubric:
- Criteria: Proper inflation and deflation of the balloon
- Points: 5
Assessment Questions:
1. What happens to the balloon when you inhale air through the straw?
2. Why do you think the balloon deflates when you exhale air through the straw?
Activity 2: Lung Capacity Measurement
Materials: Measuring tape, calculator
Instructions:
1. Have students measure their height in centimeters.
2. Provide them with a formula to calculate their lung capacity based on their age
and height.
3. Instruct students to calculate their lung capacity individually or in pairs.
4. Discuss the results as a class and compare the different lung capacities.
Rubric:
- Criteria: Correct calculation of lung capacity
- Points: 10
Assessment Questions:
1. How does lung capacity vary among individuals?
2. What factors can affect lung capacity?
Activity 3: Lung Sounds
Materials: Stethoscope (optional), audio recording of lung sounds
Instructions:
1. Show students a stethoscope and explain its use in listening to lung sounds.
2. Play an audio recording of different lung sounds, such as normal breathing,
wheezing, and crackling.
3. Discuss the different sounds and their possible causes.
4. If available, allow students to listen to their own lung sounds using a stethoscope.
Rubric:
- Criteria: Active participation in the discussion
- Points: 5
Assessment Questions:
1. What are some possible causes of wheezing sounds in the lungs?
2. How can listening to lung sounds help in diagnosing respiratory conditions?
Explain:
1. Use a visual presentation to explain the structure and function of the lungs,
emphasizing the role of alveoli in gas exchange.
2. Conduct a class discussion where students can ask questions and clarify any
misconceptions.
Elaborate:
1. Have students create a poster or infographic summarizing the key points about
the lungs.
2. Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific respiratory condition
to research and present to the class.
Evaluate:
- Conduct a written quiz with multiple-choice and short-answer questions about the
structure and function of the lungs.
- Observe students during the lung model activity to assess their understanding of
inhalation and exhalation.
Extend:
- Invite a respiratory therapist or doctor to speak to the class about the importance of
lung health and ways to keep the lungs healthy.
- Encourage students to practice deep breathing exercises regularly and keep a
journal of their experiences.
Assignment:
Write a short paragraph describing one activity or habit you can do to keep your
lungs healthy. Explain why it is important for overall well-being.
