With a partner, youngsters measure their pulse and breathing rates, both at rest and after running in place for a minute. While this activity is not novel, the lesson plan includes a large-scale classroom graphing activity and other...

Do animals breathe faster when given more oxygen or more carbon dioxide? Young scientists observe the respiration rates of locusts under a variety of gas concentrations to answer that very question. They collect data, analyze the...

What is the relationship among the heart, circulation, and exercise? Your class members will explore first-hand how different physical exercises affect an individual's heart rate. They will begin by learning how to measure their own...

Students work in groups to predict which condition produces more breaths per minute. Groups record their breathing rates during rest periods and periods of activity. They graph their results and make comparisons to their predictions.

Students fill out an anonymous questionaire to explore whether they might have asthma. They then set up a spreadsheet to enter the data, decide on a definition of asthma, and figure out the prevalence of asthma. Pupils simulate what it...

Here's a five-star lesson plan in which inquisitors conduct sophisticated experimentation with cellular respiration in plant seeds. Placing seeds in a closed system they measure the amount carbon dioxide produced and relate it to...

Students explore the job of the lungs. In this Human Body lesson plan, students participate in five activities in order to develop a better understanding of the lungs. Each of the activities relates to how the lungs help us breathe and...

Students observe and record how breathing changes with physical activities.  In this physical activity instructional activity students form groups and complete their activity and worksheets.

Here is an interesting and engaging lesson on the lungs and the respiratory system. In it, fourth graders should gain a better understanding of how the lungs work and the role they play in supporting life. Some good, in-class partner...

Students gain an understanding of the respiratory system. In this biology lesson plan, students demonstrate how air enters and leaves the lungs, and explore the relationship between breathing rate and exercise.

Students determine their respiratory rate and explore the factors that affect breathing rate.

The need for a respiratory system in humans versus being reliant on gas exchange structures is demonstrated. There are many details about the advantages and disadvantages of each mechanism.  Students are able to learn about the...

Young learners compare the breathing patterns of different animals in this pinniped lesson. They examine the breathing pattern of California sea lions and northern elephant seals. Pupils collect, compare and analyze data concerning...

Students conduct an experiment to test the effects of various chemicals on breathing and to practice animal dissection. They carefully dissect house crickets to identify the breathing structures and determine their rate of respiration....

Students explore the respiration rate of a mealworm. Through experimental means, they determine the average volume of oxygen used and discuss factors that affect the respiration rate of an organism.

The human body can regulate itself through sweating and resting. Learners with visual impairments discuss how the body changes when it is under stress and what it does to regulate itself. To start, kids use talking thermometers to take...

Students build plankton models and compete to see which sinks most slowly. They write, or orally present ,the adaptations they incorporated to slow the sinking rate of their organisms. Race results can be grounds for some prizes!

Breathe some new life into charcoal. Scholars use biochar to improve soil fertility. They test the effectiveness of this addition by conducting an experiment with soil having 0%, 2%, and 4% biochar.

Students explore a study of African women who are able to carry heavy loads by altering their gait; they then conduct experiments that study the relationship between exertion, weight and heart rate.

In this human body worksheet, 6th graders respond to 13 different questions related to parts of the human body. First, they determine how many times the heart beats a minute and the 2 types of blood vessels. Then, students describe the...

Students explore the nature of the air we breathe by observing petri dishes that have accumulated particulate matter from the atmosphere. Students make mathematical calculations and inferences about the effect of this matter on...

Learners examine the effects of radon on their breathing. They review the anatomy of the respiratory system before completeing this lesson. They also complete equations to show how carbon dioxide forms in their body.

Students determine the amount of air they use during rest and activity. They conduct experiments to calculate the number of breaths needed to empty a jug of water by exhaling through a tube into the container. Then, they figure how much...

Fifth graders study how respiration and circulation are connected.  In this respiratory instructional activity students complete several activities to better understand heart rate and carbon dioxide in the body.