​Respiratory System​ Model (Grade 5)

Grade: Five

Topic: Human Organ Systems Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms

Introduction/Context: This is an open-ended project where students design and make a stable structure that will support a working, model respiratory system. The activity begins with an analysis of structures and an investigation of existing design problems (e.g., weak, collapsing legs, poor construction) and a discussion about how the use of models and simulations, help people to learn the systems such as the respiratory system. Students explore the basic needs of the body: air, water,food. After viewing a working model of a lung (see diagram below) the students are asked to make a similar working model. Then they must design a stand, which will support the finished working model.

Prototype (model): Your prototype needs to include the following:

• The lung must be suspended in a visible “chest cavity”
• Air must be able to inflate and deflate the lung
• The model must be able to stand on a flat surface.

OCTE Conference 2010