Specialized Respiratory Systems
Specialized Respiratory Systems
Objectives
In this lesson, students learn that all living things need oxygen in their cells to release energy. They compare the specialized respiratory systems of several animals and investigate how frog respiration changes during its life cycle. Students will:
-
explain how living things use specialized respiratory systems to obtain energy.
-
compare the respiratory systems of different types of animals.
-
explain how plants take in oxygen and why they need it.
Essential Questions
Vocabulary
-
Specialized Parts: Parts of living things that have a structure that fits the function that they carry out (e.g., lungs are specialized for breathing).
-
Respiratory System: A system of organs that moves oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
-
Gills: Structures for taking in oxygen from water. Sometimes located inside the body and sometimes on the outer surface of the body. Usually found in fish and amphibians.
-
Lungs: Organs that are connected to the environment by tubes; function to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Usually found in animals with backbones.
-
Tracheae: A system of tubes that carry oxygen directly to the cells of the body. Usually found in insects and spiders.
-
Stomata: Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow oxygen to enter.
Duration
75–90 minutes/2 class periods
Prerequisite Skills
Materials
-
Comparing the Respiratory Systems of Animals worksheet (S-7-8-2_Comparing the Respiratory Systems of Animals.docx and S-7-8-2_Comparing the Respiratory Systems of Animals KEY.docx)
-
Animal Respiratory System Research Notes handout (S-7-8-2_Animal Respiratory System Research.docx) (optional)
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- Jigsaw Classroom: Overview of the Technique
- Respiratory System: Oxygen Delivery System www.fi.edu/learn/heart/systems/respiration.html
- How Frogs Breathe