Investigating Human Respiration
Students conduct an investigation to identify the presence of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath in order to build their understanding of the function of the respiratory system in excreting carbon dioxide produced as a result of cellular respiration. This activity is building toward a larger understanding of human body systems and subsystems from the level of the cell to the complete system, and to the interacting roles of these systems in providing nutrients and oxygen and removing carbon dioxide wastes from the cells throughout the body.
Details at a Glance
- 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 1 class, with 8 groups of 4 students
- Consumables service 32 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- Includes digital resources
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
Performance Expectations
•MS-LS1-3
Disciplinary Core Ideas
•MS-LS1.A
•MS-PS3.D
Science and Engineering Practices
•Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
•Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Crosscutting Concepts
•Systems and System Models
KEY VOCABULARY: control, indicator, function, organ, range
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 32 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 48 Plastic cups
- 8 Bromthymol blue (BTB) Indicator, Dropper bottle
- 8 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, Dropper bottle
- 8 Graduated Cup
- 8 Droppers
- 16 Stir sticks
- 32 Plastic bags, 1-gallon
- 64 Straws
- Not included and needed for instruction: Large sheet of chart paper, 1 large sponge, 1 bottle of carbonated water (optional), supply of water (distilled water may be required, chemical splash goggles, access to a wall clock or watch that displays seconds.