Contextualization

Hello, young scientists! Are you ready to embark on an incredible adventure through our body? Today we will start discovering how our Respiratory System works. But what is that?

Well, our body is like a complex machine, with many parts that work together to keep us alive and healthy. And the respiratory system is one of those parts! It is responsible for bringing air into our body, where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released. It's like a large system of tubes and organs that allows us to breathe.

Now, you must be wondering: "Why do we need to breathe?" Well, the answer is quite simple: we need oxygen to survive! All the cells in our body need oxygen to function properly. Without it, we wouldn't even be able to get out of bed in the morning. And that's where the respiratory system comes into play, bringing the air with oxygen into us.

Introduction

So, are you ready to learn more about how our respiratory system works? Let's go then!

The respiratory system is made up of several parts, each with an important function. The first part is the nose and mouth, where air enters our body. Then, the air passes through the throat and larynx before reaching the lungs. The lungs are two cone-shaped organs located inside our chest. They are surrounded by a membrane called pleura and are protected by the ribs.

Inside the lungs, the air passes through tubes called bronchi, which branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles, there are small air sacs called alveoli, where gas exchange occurs. It is in this place that oxygen from the air passes into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood passes into the air to be expelled when we breathe.

Now, you must be wondering: "How does the air reach the lungs?" Well, this happens thanks to a muscle called the diaphragm, located under the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and increases the space inside the chest. This pulls the air into the lungs. And when the diaphragm relaxes, the space inside the chest decreases and the air is expelled. And that's how we breathe!

Practical Activity: "Let's Build a Model of the Respiratory System"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is for you, in groups, to build a three-dimensional model of the human respiratory system, representing all its parts and their respective functions.

Project Description

You will create a model of the respiratory system using recyclable materials and other materials that can be found at home or at school. In the model, the nose, mouth, throat, larynx, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and diaphragm should be represented. Each part of the model must be identified with an explanatory label of its function.

Required Materials

• Cardboard (for the base of the model)
• PET bottles (to represent the lungs)
• Straws (for the bronchi and bronchioles)
• Balloons (to represent the alveoli)
• Modeling clay, clay, or paper mache (to mold the nose, mouth, throat, and larynx)
• Glue, tape, scissors
• Markers, colored pencils, or paint (to decorate and write the labels)
• Paper labels (to write the functions of each part)

Step by Step

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will be responsible for creating a model of the human respiratory system.

2. Plan together how the model will be. Remember that it must represent all parts of the respiratory system and their functions. You can search for images of the respiratory system to help with planning.

3. Gather the necessary materials.

4. Start by building the base of the model with cardboard. It should be large enough to accommodate all parts of the respiratory system.

5. Now, mold the parts of the respiratory system with modeling clay, clay, or paper mache. Remember that each part must be identified and have the function written on the corresponding label.

6. Once the parts are dry, attach them to the base of the model with glue or tape.

7. Finally, decorate the model with markers, colored pencils, or paint.

8. When the model is ready, prepare a presentation for the class. In the presentation, explain how the respiratory system works, pointing out each part of the model and its respective function.

Project Delivery

Each group must deliver the model of the respiratory system, along with a brief written description (on an A4 sheet) of how the respiratory system works, explaining the function of each part of the model. In addition, they must present the model to the class, explaining how the respiratory system works.

Remember, the key to success in this project is teamwork, creativity, and communication skills. Let's go, young scientists, we are excited to see what you will create!