Teaching the class?

Question

ok i'm teaching the calss in bio.

about the respiratory system

what do u think should be some highlights of the lesson?

for example what do u think are some of the important points of this system?

this is a pre-ap biology class in highschool

so something highschool level or above

i need help b/c it's so vast

i can't teach them EVERYTHING

just an overview really is what i am looking for

please help

Answer 1

I think the students should do something active/hands on like drawing a pic of what they think are the main things and present it to the class. then you can go off of what they know and add more info if nessisary. if they are in groups theyll have more fun doing that, too.

Answer 2

Start off with an inquiry question like:  How does your body bring in oxygen?

Explain the purpose of the system, give the major players (nose, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, aveoli, diaphragm, medulla oblongata).  Have them draw a picture of the layout.

I would totally let them do the balloon/bottle activity.  Check out this link.   http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/baylor/dust2.h...  this bottle activity allows them to get the whole idea of how breathing works.

You can let them do a little lab about sensitivity to CO2.  First, they take ina  deep breath then hold it.  Measure to see how long they can hold it.  Then, they breath into a bag for 1 minute, take a deep breath, see how long they can hold it.  Let's them get the idea that the brain is sensing the CO2 level, not the O2.  Or you could have them determine the volume of their lungs by exhaling into balloons.  

My students enjoy all of these.  :)