Respiratory System
Lesson Plan
Grade 12
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020.
Do not make copies and/or distribute the material contained in this document without
explicit, written permission.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Curriculum alignment........................................................................ 4
Learning objectives............................................................................ 5
Lesson plan overview........................................................................ 6
Lesson plan approach........................................................................ 7
Detailed lesson content & teaching notes................................... 8
Respiratory system anatomy quiz.................................................. 13
Interdependence of respiratory & circulatory systems............. 15
Respiratory homeostasis.................................................................. 17
Common respiratory diseases......................................................... 19
Closing check-in & discussion......................................................... 20
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 3
The following unit plan was created in accordance with the Canadian Council on
Animal Care’s recommendations to replace procedures involving the use of animals
in teaching, testing and research with suitable non-animal methods.
The Three Rs principle of Replacement states, if you can meet your scientific or
educational goals without the use of animals, it is your ethical obligation to use non-
animal methods. Grade 12 anatomy content is often taught using fetal pigs - here
we offer an effective and humane alternative.
This is in alignment with the public’s concern for animal welfare and a cultural
respect for animals passed down from the Aboriginal perspectives of the First
Peoples.
Elisabeth Ormandy created this unit plan and series of lesson plans for your use in
teaching life science content to Grades 12 based on the BC Science Curriculum.
These Humane Science Education materials were developed to provide equivalent
or greater standards in education for Canadian youth without the use of animals.
Curriculum Alignment
This lesson plan can be used to create classes for Grades 12 based on the BC
Science Curriculum. Specific Big Ideas covered in this lesson plan include:
Grade 12 - Organ systems have complex interrelationships to maintain homeostasis.
ORGAN SYSTEMS:
Structure and function
Structural and functional interdependence
Maintenance of homeostasis
We have recommended specific virtual anatomy tools to use to get the most out of
the lesson plan. You'll find links to those on pages 5 & 6.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 4
Lesson Plan Overview
Subject: Science
Unit Overview: Anatomy and Physiology
Unit Duration: ~90 minutes
Grade: 12
Big Idea: Organ systems have complex interrelationships to maintain homeostasis
Curricular Competencies
Analyze cause-and-effect relationships
Construct, analyze, and interpret graphs, models, and/or diagrams
Consider the changes in knowledge over time as tools and technologies have developed
Content
By the end of this lesson, students are expected to demonstrate understanding of
the following:
Human respiratory system:
Structure and function
Structural and functional interdependence
Maintenance of homeostasis
Recommended Education Tools
Hardware & Workbooks:
This inventory is for a regular in-person class - use x1 iPad/tablet per student for
responsible physical distancing. If teaching online, teachers can screen share their
iPad/tablet or desktop.
6 (or more) iPads or other tablets
6 (or more) 3D Anatomica workbooks
Recommended Software:
3D Anatomica: https://3danatomica.com
3D4Medical Complete Anatomy: https://3d4medical.com
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 5
Lesson Plan Overview
Topic: Organ systems have complex interrelationships to maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis is maintained through physiological processes.
Content: The human respiratory system: organs, structure and function
Students will be able to:
Describe the function of the respiratory system and its major
organs.
Describe the relationships between the different components of
the respiratory system.
Goals
Explain how the respiratory and circulatory systems are
interdependent.
Explain how the respiratory system maintains homeostasis in the
body
After this lesson students will state the structure and function of each
Objectives organ/tissue in the respiratory system and explain how the respiratory
system is functionally interdependent with other body systems.
3DAnatomica
Materials 3D4Medical Complete Anatomy
Respiratory System Workbook
Using the 3DAnatomica and/or 3D4Medical app(s), the teacher will
Introduction
introduce the topic of respiratory organ structure and function.
Questions to support inquiry-based learning:
What is the advantage of having specialized tissues in the respiratory system?
How does the respiratory system help the body maintain internal balance during
exercise?
Development
What are the impacts of external stimulants (e.g. alcohol, caffeine) on the
respiratory system?
What lifestyle decisions would you make to improve your respiratory health?
How does the respiratory system respond to infection by a pathogen (e.g.
coronavirus)?
Students will work independently or in pairs to navigate 3DAnatomica
Practice and/or 3D4Medical to learn about the structure and function of the
respiratory organs.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 6
Lesson Plan Approach
If teaching regular in-person classes:
Split students into 6 groups.
Give each group a Respiratory System workbook to refer to, and one (or more)
iPad(s) or tablet(s) with the 3D Anatomica app, and 3D4Medical Complete
Anatomy app loaded and ready to use.
Your introduction should include discussion of the function of the respiratory
system, identifying its major components, and the vocabulary you would like
students to learn (~ 15 mins). Define homeostasis. Have the students follow along
using the 3D4Medical Complete Anatomy app.
Have students label "Major Structures" diagram using 3D4 Medical
Discuss sequence of organs and structures that air moves through within the
respiratory system. Have students use the 3D Anatomica and 3D4Medical
Complete Anatomy app to explore the flow of air in their groups, filling their 3D
Anatomica workbook and/or handouts provided. This can be student or teacher
led (40-45 mins).
Explore the "Structures in Detail" pages using the 3D4 Medical App. The students
can cut away at the structures in the app to locate structures that need to be
labeled.
Ask students to brainstorm ways the respiratory system interacts with other
systems, and go over the specific examples provided.
Discuss different ways the respiratory system helps maintain homeostasis using
examples provided, then ask students to provide their own examples using what
they've learned.
Close the class with a 20-minute recap of what the students have learned, discuss
how the parts of the respiratory system work together, and check for
understanding. Begin a conversation on ethics of animals in science using the
questions provided.
If teaching a physically-distanced class:
Use x1 iPad for each student and proceed as per the directions above.
If teaching online:
Lead the students through the respiratory system by screen sharing your own
iPad/tablet or desktop with the 3D4Medical Complete Anatomy app installed,
filling out the tables, and labeling the models as you go.
Proceed as per the directions above.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 7
Detailed Lesson Content & Teaching Notes
Introduction to the Lesson
Include a First Nations land acknowledgement and ask students to reflect on what
respect for animals means to them. Provide an introduction to the human-relevant
apps and models that will be used in class. Provide an overview of how to access
AiSPI's Respiratory System workbooks if teaching remotely.
Introduction to the Topic
This class will explore the respiratory system at large.
We recommend covering the function of the respiratory system, identifying the major
components of the system, and discussing the vocabulary you would like the students
to learn early in the lesson.
THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AT-A-GLANCE
The main function of the respiratory system is pulmonary respiration
- gas exchange within/between the body and the external
FUNCTION environment. Secondary functions include voice production, body
temperature regulation, acid-base regulation, and olfaction (sense of
smell).
COMPONENTS Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs, diaphragm.
Nasal cavity, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, windpipe, bronchi,
IMPORTANT bronchus, bronchioles, alveoli, alveolus, lungs, diaphragm, capillaries,
VOCABULARY pores of Kohn, pleurae, pulmonary respiration, upper respiratory
tract, lower respiratory tract.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 8
Components in Detail
Explore the major structures of the respiratory system with the class.
TRACHEA:
LARYNX: A cartilaginous tube that connects the
Commonly called the 'voice box' the pharynx and larynx to the lungs, and
larynx is involved in breathing, producing allows passage of air. Also known as the
sound, and protecting the trachea ‘windpipe,’ the trachea is a long
against food aspiration. membranous tube that is capable of
lengthening and widening as air passes
through.
It is the largest airway of the body, and it
is reinforced with 20 rings of cartilage to
keep it from collapsing.
The trachea moves into the lungs by
branching into two separate tubes called
bronchi.
BRONCHI:
Extensions of the trachea that
carry air from the trachea into
the lungs.
There are two main bronchi
that directly originate from the
trachea; these main bronchi
continue to branch into smaller
and smaller bronchi. Each main
bronchus supplies air to a
single lung.
While they are similar in
structure to the trachea with
cartilage and a mucous
membrane, bronchi are also
supported with a layer of
smooth muscle fibres between
the membrane and cartilage.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 9
Components in Detail
Explore the major structures of the respiratory system with the class.
BRONCHIOLE:
As they branch off and become smaller,
bronchi eventually undergo a structural
change and become bronchioles - smaller,
thin-walled airways that lack cartilage and
A venule is a very small
are composed of epithelial tissue cells and
blood vessel in the
smooth muscle fibres. Bronchioles deliver microcirculation that allows
air to little air sacs called alveoli. blood to return from the
capillary beds to drain into
An arteriole is a small-
the larger blood vessels, the
diameter blood vessel
veins.
that extends and
branches out from an
artery and leads to
capillaries.
ALVEOLI:
Terminal air sacs that are located at the end of the respiratory tree (alveolus/alveolar sac singular).
Upon inhalation, the alveoli fill with air; upon exhalation, air leaves the alveoli.
They are just one cell thick and lined with a fluid called a surfactant to maintain shape and surface tension, the wall
of each alveolus is the site of gas exchange via diffusion.
The primary function of an alveolus is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the bloodstream.
The anatomy of an alveolus consists of an epithelial layer lining the alveolar membrane.
Alveoli are further surrounded by blood vessels known as capillaries to allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move
freely between the respiratory and circulatory systems.
The endothelial cells of the capillary often fuse with the epithelial cells of the alveoli to allow for rapid diffusion.
Adjacent alveoli can pass air, lining fluid, and cells to each other through microscopic holes in alveolar walls called
the pores of Kohn.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 10
Components in Detail
Explore the major structures of the respiratory system with the class.
LUNGS:
A pair of spongy respiratory organs that expand and fill
with air on an inhale, and deflate and empty of air on an
exhale.
They are located on either side of the chest and
bordered by the diaphragm.
Connected to the trachea via the left and right main
bronchi, the lungs are the main organ utilized in the
respiratory system.
The right lung is shorter and wider than the left lung,
and the left lung occupies a smaller volume due to the
cardiac notch, an indentation on the surface of the left
lung which allows space for the heart.
The lungs are covered by a pair of serous membranes
known as pleurae, which act as a lubricant and allow the
lungs to optimize their capacity to expand and contract,
in addition to separating the lungs from the wall of the
thoracic cavity.
DIAPHRAGM:
Located below the lungs, the diaphragm is the major muscle of respiration and separates the abdomen from the
chest. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens which creates negative pressure, similar to a
vacuum, and pulls air into the lungs. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and pushes air out of the lungs.
The diaphragm has three large openings to allow important structures to pass through:
The esophageal opening for the esophagus and the vagus nerve, both of which are important for the digestive
system; the aortic opening for the aorta and the thoracic duct for the circulatory and lymphatic systems,
respectively; and the caval opening for the inferior vena cava in the circulatory system.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 11
Discuss the passage of air through the respiratory system at large; the 3D4Medical
Complete Anatomy app is useful here for identifying and exploring the system in
detail.
The respiratory system can be divided into two tracts:
the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract.
The journey through the human respiratory system begins with air entering
the body through the nasal cavity and/or the mouth.
Upper respiratory The nasal cavity and the mouth meet at a passageway in the throat
tract called the pharynx.
The pharynx splits into two passageways - one for food and one for air.
At the top of the airway is the larynx, also known as the ‘voice box.’
The airway continues as the trachea, also known as the ‘windpipe.’
The trachea divides into left and right airways called bronchi, which extend
into the left and right lungs, respectively.
As they move into the lungs, the bronchi in turn branch into smaller
and smaller bronchi until they undergo a structural change, at which
point they become small airways called bronchioles.
Lower respiratory Each bronchiole eventually terminates at one of the few hundred
tract million tiny air sacs known as alveoli.
Gaseous exchange takes place in the alveoli: oxygen from the inhaled air
diffuses through the alveolar walls into the blood in the surrounding
capillaries, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the air inside the
alveoli.
This exchange of gases therefore oxygenates blood, which is then later
circulated throughout the body.
Carbon dioxide is then removed from the body as a waste product
through exhalation from the lungs.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 12
Respiratory System Anatomy (Teacher Copy)
Nasal cavity
Mouth
Right bronchus Left bronchus
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Capillaries
Pharynx
Trachea
Larynx
Heart
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 13
Respiratory System Anatomy (Student Activity)
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 14
How Do the Respiratory & Circulatory Systems Work
Together?
Ask students how they think the two organ systems work together – specific questions can
include:
1. How does oxygen get into the bloodstream?
2. How do the respiratory and circulatory systems interact with each other?
Gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs – the respiratory and circulatory systems are linked via
the capillary network that surrounds the alveoli.
CAPILLARIES:
Tiny blood vessels that connect veins and arteries throughout the body, and are just one cell wall thick. This
means that various substances like gases, nutrients, waste products, hormones etc. can pass across the cell wall
of capillaries; it is through the capillaries that oxygen, nutrients, and other substances are exchanged between
the blood and tissues. They cover alveoli to allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move freely between the
respiratory and circulatory systems. The majority of blood vessels found in the body are capillaries. The anatomy
of a capillary consists of a thin layer of endothelial cells (tunica intima) and is surrounded by a protein matrix
called the basal lamina.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 15
Gas Exchange (student activity)
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 16
How Does the Respiratory System Help Maintain Homeostasis?
Homeostasis is maintained by the respiratory system in two ways: gas exchange and
regulation of blood pH.
Gas exchange is performed by the lungs by eliminating carbon dioxide, a waste product
given off by cellular respiration. As carbon dioxide exits the body, oxygen needed for
cellular respiration enters the body through the lungs. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP),
produced by cellular respiration, provides the energy for the body to perform many
functions, including nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Lack of oxygen affects
brain function, sense of judgment, and a host of other problems.
Gas Exchange
Gas exchange in the lungs and in the alveoli is between the alveolar air and the blood in
the pulmonary capillaries. This exchange is a result of increased concentration of CO2,
and a decrease of oxygen. This process of exchange is done through diffusion.
External Respiration
External respiration is the exchange of gas between the air in the alveoli and the blood
within the pulmonary capillaries. A normal rate of respiration is 12-25 breaths per
minute. In external respiration, gases diffuse in either direction across the walls of the
alveoli. Oxygen diffuses from the air into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out of
the blood into the air. Most of the carbon dioxide is carried to the lungs in plasma as
bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). When blood enters the pulmonary capillaries, the bicarbonate
ions and hydrogen ions are converted to carbonic acid (H2CO3) and then back into
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. This chemical reaction also uses up hydrogen ions. The
removal of these ions gives the blood a more neutral pH, allowing hemoglobin to bind
up more oxygen. De-oxygenated blood "blue blood" coming from the pulmonary
arteries, generally has an oxygen partial pressure (pp) of 40 mmHg and CO2 pp of 45
mmHg. Oxygenated blood leaving the lungs via the pulmonary veins has an O2 pp of
100 mmHg and CO2 pp of 40 mmHg.
Internal Respiration
Internal respiration is the exchanging of gases at the cellular level.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 17
Respiratory Homeostasis
Student Activity
Ask students to bring their attention to their breathing without changing anything yet.
Ask them to record how many breaths they take in 30 seconds.
Now ask them to hold their breath for 15 seconds or longer.
Ask them to record the following:
1. How many breaths they take in the 30 seconds after they start breathing again
2. How it felt to go without breathing
They should have recorded a slightly faster breathing rate after holding their breath - this is because
when holding the breath the blood in the body becomes oxygen-deficient. The respiratory system,
thanks to being triggered by various receptors responds by increasing the breathing rate to get the
oxygen levels in the blood back to an optimal level.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 18
Common Respiratory Diseases
Rhinitis and laryngitis:
Large particles are deposited into the nose, pharynx and larynx.
More soluble gases (e.g. sulfur dioxide) are absorbed by upper
respiratory tract mucous membranes causing swelling and Nasal cavity
overproduction of mucus. Pharynx
Tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis: Larynx
Large particles are deposited and cleared by the cilia. Small particles
and fine fibres are deposited in bronchioles and bifurcations of Trachea
alveolar ducts. Less soluble gases penetrate to deeper small Bronchus
airways.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Brochiole
Allergens and irritants are deposited in large airways by
turbulent flow, causing inflammatory changes. Alveolus
Cancer
Carcinogens (asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) come
into contact with bronchial epithelial cells causing gene
mutations.
Interstitial disease
Small particles and fibres are deposited in terminal bronchioles,
alveolar ducts and alveoli. Penetration in to the interstitium
results in fibrosis and formation of granulomas.
Respiratory diseases affect respiratory homeostasis by reducing the amount of air that can flow
through respiratory passages. As a result breathing becomes laboured - breath rate increases to
compensate for the reduced amount of oxygen taken in with each breath. In many cases drugs can
be given to help reduce inflammation and restore natural air flow (for example, when people with
asthma are given medical inhalers). However, in the worst cases there is chronic inflammation so
patients are given pure oxygen to breathe.
Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 19
Closing Check-In and Discussion
During the check closing in:
Recap with the students the path air moves through within the respiratory system. Go over ways the
respiratory system interacts with other body systems, as well as how it helps maintain homeostasis.
Ask the following questions:
How might virtual dissections and models compare with using real specimens?
Were you able to successfully learn the structure and function of individual parts of the
respiratory system?
Closing - Discussion on Ethics
The knowledge to create these accurate virtual models of the respiratory system had to initially come
from real humans and or animals. However, now that we have such a plentiful resources for accurate
models of these structures, as well as the ability to perform dissections virtually, do you think we need
to continue using animals? Why or why not?
Think
Ask the students to think about where they stand on the subject of animal dissections and the use of
animals in science. They don't need to answer right away, rather, this is to get them to start forming
their own ethical opinions.
Formative Assessment
The formative assessment can be in the form of an exit slip. This involves asking each student at the
end of the class to answer 2-3 questions on a sheet of paper and hand it in, with their names on it, to
ensure understanding of the main concepts covered. Examples of questions to include:
What is one way the respiratory system maintains homeostasis within the body?
What is one way the respiratory system interacts with other body systems?
What are the main structures air moves through within the respiratory system?
Exit S
The re lip
s
interac piratory sys
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cardiov s with the em
ascula
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Elisabeth Ormandy, 2020. 20
Thank you for choosing these materials to support your science adventures!
These Humane Science Education materials were developed by Elisabeth
Ormandy for the Canadian Society for Humane Science (2015-2022)
working to achieve better science without animals. By choosing these unit
plans, you have joined a growing family of Humane Science Educators!
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following funders of
this Humane Science Education Program:
The Robert and Judith Clark Foundation
The MCLEAN Foundation
