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The Respiratory System
What Is the Respiratory System?
The respiratory system is the organs and other parts of your body involved in breathing, when you
exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
All the cells in your body need oxygen to work. As they take in oxygen, they release carbon
dioxide, which is called a "waste gas." It goes into you bloodstream and gets carried to your lungs.
You breathe it out when you exhale.
This vital function is called "gas exchange," and your body is set up to do it automatically
Breathing is not the only job done by your respiratory system. Other tasks include:
Warming up air so that it matches your body temperature
Moisturizing air to the humidity level your body needs
Protecting your airways from things that might irritate or harm them
Letting you smell and talk
Objectives:
By the end of this activity, you will be able to:
1. Identify the main parts of the respiratory system.
2. Understand the process of inhalation and exhalation.
3. Build a simple model of the lungs to visualize how breathing works.
4. Reflect on the importance of maintaining healthy lungs.
Materials Needed:
2 Balloons
1 Plastic bottle (cut in half)
1 Straw
Rubber band
Scissors
Tape
Diagram of the respiratory system
Worksheet for answers
Instructions:
1. Build a Lung Model:
a. Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle to create the body of the lung model.
b. Insert the straw into the neck of the bottle and tape it in place. This
represents the trachea.
c. Attach one balloon to the end of the straw and secure it with a rubber band.
This balloon represents the lung.
d. Stretch the second balloon over the cut opening of the bottle (bottom). This
balloon represents the diaphragm.
e. Push and pull on the diaphragm balloon to simulate inhalation and
exhalation.
2. Study the Process of Breathing:
a. Use the lung model to observe how air enters and leaves the lung balloon.
b. Record your observations based on the model's behavior during
"breathing."
Activity Questions:
1. Label the Respiratory System:
Below is a diagram of the respiratory system. Label the following parts:
2. Explain the Function of Each Part:
a. What is the function of the trachea in the respiratory system?
b. What role do the alveoli play in gas exchange?
c. How does the diaphragm assist with breathing?
3. Observation Questions:
a. What happens to the lung balloon when you pull the diaphragm balloon
down (inhalation)?
b. What happens when you push the diaphragm balloon up (exhalation)?
c. How does this model represent the process of breathing in the human
body?
4. Critical Thinking:
a. Why is it important for oxygen to enter the bloodstream during inhalation?
b. What would happen if the diaphragm stopped working properly?
Write a short paragraph reflecting on the importance of maintaining a healthy
respiratory system. Consider the following questions:
How do factors like smoking, air pollution, and exercise affect the lungs?
What steps can you take to protect your lungs and respiratory health?
This worksheet was designed to help students understand the respiratory
system through hands-on learning and observation. By constructing a simple lung
model, students can visualize how inhalation and exhalation occur, making the
complex process of breathing more tangible. The worksheet emphasizes key
concepts like the roles of the trachea, lungs, and diaphragm, and encourages
critical thinking about the importance of oxygen exchange in the body. Additionally,
it promotes awareness of how lifestyle choices, such as exercise and avoiding
smoking, can impact respiratory health, fostering a deeper appreciation for
maintaining a healthy respiratory system.
