Lesson Plans
What Makes Up Our Respiratory System and What Is Its Function? (4 periods)
Lesson Specific Instructional Objectives Cambridge Primary Scientific Enquiry Process Skills 21st Century Skills Number of
Skills Periods
1.2 Pupils should: Make a variety of relevant observations Observing Make judgements and 4
- understand the function and structure of the respiratory and measurements using simple Comparing decisions
system apparatus correctly. (Eo1) Analysing Use systems thinking
Predicting Reason effectively
Make comparisons. (Eo4) Inferring Collaborate with others
What Makes Up Our Circulatory System and What Is Its Function? (6 periods)
Lesson Specific Instructional Objectives Cambridge Primary Scientific Enquiry Process Skills 21st Century Skills Number of
Skills Periods
1.3 Pupils should: Make a variety of relevant observations Observing Apply technology 6
- understand the function and structure of the circulatory and measurements using simple Analysing effectively
system apparatus correctly. (Eo1) Contrasting Make judgements and
Comparing decisions
Suggest and evaluate explanations for Organising Use systems thinking
predictions using scientific knowledge Communicating Work independently
and understanding and communicate Be self-directed learners
these clearly to others. (Eo8) Collaborate with others
Lesson 1.1
BSCS 5E Lesson Notes Resources
Background: Our body system is made up of a group of organs that work together to perform certain functions. Pupils have
learnt in Grade 5 Chapter 2: Body Systems: Skeletal-Muscular, Digestive and Nervous about skeletal, muscular, digestive and
nervous systems in our body. This chapter will focus on the circulatory and respiratory systems.
The respiratory system allows oxygen to enter the body from the air and carbon dioxide to leave the body into the air. The
circulatory system transports substances throughout the body. Pupils will learn how these two systems work together to keep
us alive, as well as the functions of the respective organs that make up each system.
Ask pupils:
What can you feel? (Answer: I can feel my heart beating.)
Do you know what causes this to happen? (Answer: The heart beats when it pumps blood.)
Next, get pupils to take a deep breath, and then breathe out slowly.
Ask pupils:
How does your chest move when you breathe? (Answer: My chest expands when I breathe in and contracts when I
breathe out.)
Why does your chest move this way? (Answer: This is due to air entering and leaving the lungs.)
Explain that:
Unlike Smarty, humans have two important organs inside the chest. They are the heart and lungs. These organs are
responsible for circulatory and respiratory functions respectively.
Teaching Tip: Trace the path of the mind map by reading out loud.
Explain that:
All living things need air to survive.
Explain that:
Explain:
Explanation is Air is not made up of a single gas. It is a mixture of many gases.
given to introduce Air is mainly nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapour, carbon
the concept monoxide and helium.
Common Misconceptions: Pupils may think that air and oxygen are the same thing. This is incorrect. Air is not made up of a
single gas alone. It is made up of a mixture of gases, and oxygen is not the only component.
Although oxygen and carbon dioxide are important for living things, they are not the most abundant gases in air. The most
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
Explore: Activities:
Pupils experience 1. Carry out Experiment Time! to investigate if exhaled air contains carbon dioxide. First, explain to pupils about the property Textbook pages 4—5
new concepts of limewater. It changes from colourless to cloudy when it comes into contact with carbon dioxide. Then, ask pupils to
blow air into the limewater and observe the change it undergoes. Guide pupils to answer the questions based on their
observations.
2. Next, get pupils to breathe out slowly on their hands. They should feel the air is warm and moist. This demonstrates that
exhaled air is warmer and contains more water vapour than the air around us.
Ask pupils:
Why is exhaled air warmer as compared to the air around us? (Answer: Our body temperature is about 37 oC, which is
warmer than room temperature. Therefore, air is warmed up when it enters our body.)
Why does exhaled air contain more water vapour as compared to the air around us? (Answer: The respiratory tract in our
body is moist. The water from the respiratory tract evaporates and moistens the inhaled air.
Elaborate: Teaching Tip: More experiments can be carried out to test the exhaled air for these properties. To prove that exhaled air is
Pupils apply warm, ask pupils to breathe out on a thermometer and observe the temperature change. To prove that exhaled air is moist, Workbook pages 1—2
experimental skills blow on a mirror and test the mirror with a dry piece of cobalt chloride paper. The paper will change from blue to pink when Activity 1: Breathe In,
to test the new water is present. Breathe Out!
findings
Consolidation
Worksheet 1
Lesson 1.2
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
Ask pupils:
What gas from the air is needed for respiration? What gas is produced during respiration? (Answer: Oxygen is needed for
respiration and carbon dioxide is produced during this process.)
Based on your answer to the first question, what gases are exchanged in the air sacs? (Answer: There is an exchange of
oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air sacs. Oxygen from the air enters the blood through blood vessels that surround the
air sacs. Carbon dioxide in the blood enters the air sacs and leaves the body when we exhale.)
When it comes to the exchange of gases, what are the advantages of having numerous tiny air sacs in the lungs as
compared to having a few large air sacs? (Answer: Numerous tiny air sacs will have a larger surface area than a few huge
air sacs. A large surface area is necessary for the exchange of gases to take place efficiently.)
Explain: Teaching Tip: Explain the steps involved in inhalation to pupils. Then, ask pupils to try to describe what happens when we Textbook page 7
Pupils are exhale. Exhalation is the reverse of inhalation. You may provide some key words such as ‘relax’, ‘contract’, ‘downwards’ and
encouraged to ‘inwards’ to guide pupils along. The correct steps of exhalation are:
explain the concept Step 1: Our diaphragm relaxes and returns to its upside down ‘U’ shape.
in their own words Step 2: Our ribcage moves downwards and inwards.
Step 3: Our chest cavity becomes smaller, causing our lungs to contract.
Step 4: This causes the air to rush out from our lungs through our windpipe and exit through the nose.
Help pupils visualise the entire process by showing them a video which shows what happens to the lungs when we breathe. URL 1.1
Elaborate:
Pupils develop a Common Misconceptions: Breathing and respiration are not the same. Breathing is a physical process that causes air to enter
clearer or leave the lungs. Respiration is a chemical process in which oxygen and sugar are converted into energy in our body.
understanding
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
when The oesophagus and windpipe are two different organs although they are both connected to the nose and mouth. The
misconceptions are oesophagus is an organ of the digestive system that joins the mouth to the stomach. On the other hand, the windpipe is an
clarified organ of the respiratory system that connects the nose and mouth to the lungs.
Evaluate:
Pupils’ Teaching Tips:
understanding is 1. Ask pupils to discuss the difference between breathing and respiration.
assessed through a 2. In Grade 5 Chapter 2: Body Systems: Skeletal-Muscular, Digestive and Nervous, pupils have learnt about the oesophagus.
discussion Ask pupils to discuss the differences between the oesophagus and the windpipe.
Ask pupils:
Why does food not enter the windpipe when we swallow? (Answer: There is a flap of tissue or cartilage called the
epiglottis at the back of the throat. When we swallow, the epiglottis moves down, acting like a closed door to prevent food
from entering the windpipe and passing into the lungs. Instead, the food is directed into the oesophagus and into the
stomach. When we breathe, the epiglottis moves up so that it no longer blocks the pathway to the windpipe. Now, air can
enter the windpipe and move into the lungs.)
Explore:
Pupils test their Activity: To ensure that pupils can identify the positions of known major organs, get pupils to try out Workbook Activity 2 to Workbook pages 3—5
predictions in the position the organs of the respiratory system. Ask pupils to describe their respective functions. Activity 2: Put Me in the
activity Correct Place!
Get pupils to discuss what would happen if any of the organs of the respiratory system are removed. You can demonstrate
what the results would be like by using the model in Workbook Activity 2. Workbook page 7
Activity 3: Rubber Lungs
Process Skills: Observing, Comparing, Analysing, Predicting
Workbook pages 13—14
21st Century Skills: Make judgements and decisions; Use systems thinking Worksheet 2: We Need
Air!
Consolidation
Worksheet 2
Activity: Carry out Discover More! to solve the murder mystery using the clues provided. Get pupils to discuss in groups and Textbook page 8
brainstorm logical possibilities that could have led to Jamie’s death.
URL 1.2
Process Skills: Observing, Inferring
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
URL 1.2: Bamboo pole murder mystery (corresponds with Internet Link 1.1 in Textbook)
http://www.braingle.com/brainteasers/16038/bamboo-pole.html
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
Lesson 1.3
BSCS 5E Lesson Notes Resources
What Makes Up Our Circulatory System and What Is Its Function? Textbook pages 8—9
Engage: Teaching Tips:
Pupils create a link 1. Ask pupils how the cells in all parts of the body get oxygen for respiration. Guide pupils in coming to a conclusion that
between new there must be a transporting system to carry oxygen (and other substances such as digested food) to all parts of the body,
concept and prior and this is the circulatory system.
knowledge
Explain that:
Blood delivers substances such as oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body and transports waste substances such
as carbon dioxide away.
Blood is transported through blood vessels.
Blood does not flow on its own. It needs a heart to pump it to all parts of the body through the blood vessels.
Our heart, blood and blood vessels make up our circulatory system.
Tell pupils that they can see some blood vessels when they pull down their eyelids and feel their heart beating when they
place their hand on the upper left part of their chest.
Explain: 2. Explain and describe to pupils how the circulatory system works and the path of blood circulation. You may use an analogy
An analogy is used to facilitate pupils’ understanding of how blood circulation works, e.g. imagine blood as a train. A train (blood) full of
for better passengers (oxygen) departs from the terminal (the lungs). The train runs on a railway (blood vessel) and is accelerated by
explanation of a the motor (pumping action of the heart). It takes passengers to stations (cells) around the city (body). At each station,
new concept there are original passengers (oxygen) alighting and new passengers (carbon dioxide) boarding the train. Eventually the
train returns to the terminal and all passengers leave the train. The train is then ready for the next round of operation
(circulation of blood).
3. Show pupils a video which depicts blood circulation so pupils can see how blood flows through the body. URL 1.3
Ask pupils:
Why is the heart divided into the right and left sides? (Answer: It is divided into two sides to prevent the mixing of oxygen-
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
rich blood from the lungs and deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body.)
Teaching Tip: Dissect the heart of a cow or pig to show pupils the cross-section of a heart.
Explore: Activity: Ask pupils to jog on the spot for 1—2 minutes and describe how their heartbeat changes.
Pupils learn
through Explain that:
observation The heart beats faster when you exercise so that it pumps more blood to the muscles for producing more energy.
Activity: Carry out Discover More! to find out how our heart rate varies during exercise. Textbook page 11
URL 1.4
Process Skill: Analysing
Blood vessels
Explain that:
There are three types of blood vessels. They are the arteries, veins and capillaries.
Arteries branch into successively smaller vessels and eventually give rise to capillaries. Capillaries fuse again to form veins.
Ask pupils:
What would happen if there were a blockage in the blood vessels? (Answer: The blockage would limit the flow of blood to
the corresponding organ. The cells may die from lack of oxygen and the organ’s functions will be affected, e.g. the
blockage of arteries in the brain can cause a stroke.)
Explain that:
Arteries are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart.
Arteries have thick walls.
All arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, except the artery that carries deoxygenated
blood from the heart to the lungs.
Ask pupils:
Why do arteries have thick walls? (Answer: Blood flows at a high pressure in the arteries as the blood is being directly
pumped by the heart. Therefore, the arteries need to have thick walls to withstand the high pressure.)
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
Explain that:
Veins collect blood from the body and transport it back to the heart.
The blood in veins is filled with carbon dioxide, except the vein that carries oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart.
Explain that:
Capillaries are a network of small and thin-walled vessels that allows the exchange of materials between blood and cells.
Textbook page 12
Ask pupils:
Capillaries are highly-branched. What is the advantage of this branched structure? (Answer: This can increase the surface
area for the efficient exchange of substances.)
Why do capillaries have thin walls? (Answer: The capillary wall is only one cell thick. They are thin so that substances are
able to pass through the walls.)
What substances are exchanged between the blood and the cells? (Answer: Oxygen, digested food and water are passed
from the blood to the cells. The cells pass carbon dioxide and waste to the blood.)
Activity: Ask each pupil to construct a table to show the differences between arteries, veins and capillaries. Pupils may
Elaborate: compare various aspects such as their functions, the respective thickness of the vessel walls, blood content and blood
Pupils think deeper pressure.
by comparing
differences Process Skills: Comparing, Contrasting, Organising
Blood
Explain that:
Blood is a red-coloured fluid. It is the carrier of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and other substances such as nutrients
and wastes in our body.
It contains a substance known as haemoglobin that appears bright red when oxygen is present. This is why blood rich in
oxygen appears bright red. On the other hand, blood lacking in oxygen is dark red.
Project Idea: Divide pupils into groups of four or five to carry out Discover More! Besides the transportation of substances,
blood has many other functions in our body such as the defence of the body against diseases and the regulation of body
temperature. Do an Internet search to find out more about the functions of blood. In particular, search for the definitions of URL 1.5
these terms: ‘white blood cells’, ‘platelets’ and ‘plasma’.
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
Activity: Ask pupils to locate the position of the heart in a human body diagram or model. Then, get them to use a red-
coloured pen to trace the circulatory path of blood through the whole body. The path traced should form a network and go
through all parts of the body including the lungs, heart, limbs, head and other major organs they have learnt about, such as
Evaluate: the stomach and intestines.
Pupils’
understanding is Process Skills: Organising, Analysing
checked through
an activity 21st Century Skill: Use systems thinking Workbook pages 9—11
Activity 5: Pulse Rate and
Activity: Carry out Build Your Skills! with the class. Ask pupils to interpret the graph showing Rita’s heart rate and the Breathing Rate!
relationship between Rita’s heart rate and the activities she carries out.
Textbook page 13
Ask pupils:
Why does our heart rate increase during exercise? (Answer: Heart rate increases when the body requires oxygen for Consolidation
producing energy, such as during exercise.) Worksheet 3
What happens to our heart rate after exercise? Why? (Answer: Our heart rate decreases after exercise and returns to its
original rate. This is because the body does not need the extra supply of oxygen anymore.)
URL 1.4: Why the heart rate increases during exercise (corresponds with Internet Link 1.2 in Textbook)
http://www.strangequestions.com/question/696/Why-does-your-heart-rate-increase-when-exercising.html
URL 1.5: More functions of blood (corresponds with Internet Link 1.3 in Textbook)
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season4/blood/facts.cfm
Lesson 1.4
BSCS 5E Lesson Notes Resources
What If Our Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Break Down? Textbook page 14
Teaching Tip: When pupils learn about a disease, it is important to find out its causes, symptoms and treatments. As you go
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans
through the text, ask pupils to highlight these three aspects with different colours.
Treatment of arteriosclerosis
Ask pupils:
What are the treatments for arteriosclerosis? (Answer: Taking medication can to control the condition. The best way is to
adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of getting arteriosclerosis in the first place.)
Elaborate: Activity: Get pupils to discuss the following situation. Rita’s grandfather is suffering from arteriosclerosis. His doctor advised
Pupils apply prior him to do moderate exercise regularly, but avoid doing strenuous exercise.
knowledge in new
situation Ask pupils:
Why should Rita’s grandfather do moderate exercise regularly? (Answer: Regular moderate exercise can help reduce the
Explain: risk factors for arteriosclerosis, such as high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.)
Pupils learn Why should Rita’s grandfather avoid doing strenuous exercise? (Answer: The blockage of arteries decreases the supply of
reasoning when oxygen to the heart muscles. Therefore, he may suffer from a heart attack when he has a greater demand for oxygen
solving questions during exercise.)
Explore: Activity: Help pupils to experience what an asthma attack might feel like. Give each pupil a toilet paper tube and a narrow
Pupils discover straw. First, ask pupils to hold the toilet paper tube to their mouth and breathe through it. Then, ask them to breathe through
new idea through the straw. Ask pupils how they feel when they breathe through the two different tubes. Explain that patients with asthma may
direct experiencing
feel like they are breathing through a straw during an attack.
Activity: Ask if there are any pupils in the class suffering from asthma. Ask them to share with the class how they feel during
Engage:
an asthma attack, how asthma affects their daily life and how it can be treated.
Pupils are given
opportunity to
Process Skill: Communicating
share their
experience
21st Century Skills: Health literacy; Communicate clearly
Activity: Let pupils know that asthma and arteriosclerosis are not the only examples of respiratory and circulatory illnesses.
Divide pupils into groups and have them carry out Discover More! to find out more about other ailments or diseases of the
Consolidation
respiratory and circulatory systems. Each group can share their findings with the class.
Worksheet 4
Process Skill: Communicating
Fun and Games
21st Century Skill: Apply technology effectively
Exam Practice
Wrap up the chapter with the following:
Talk It Out
Teaching Tip: Read the new words out loud and have pupils repeat each word after you so they can learn to pronounce the
words correctly. Then, have pupils pair up to test each other on the meaning of the words.
© 2012 Alston Publishing House Pte Ltd Science SMART Teacher’s Guide Grade 6 Chapter 1 Lesson Plans