Project: 3D Model of the Respiratory System

Context

The respiratory system is one of the most important parts of our body, being responsible for gas exchange that allows us to survive: the breath. In this process, our bodies take in oxygen (O2) from the air and release carbon dioxide (CO2), a product from the chemical reactions occurring in our cells.

Why learn about the respiratory system?

It is important to understand the respiratory system, as it is crucial to all activities we perform - from the simplest, like walking or thinking, to even the most complex, like practicing intense sports. Also, many diseases and medical conditions are directly related to our respiratory system, like asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, among others.

Being able to understand how this system works, therefore, gives us a better chance of taking care of our health and identifying possible problems in this area. Also, it can help us better understand the effects of habits and behaviors on our respiratory system, like smoking and air pollution.

Introduction

The respiratory system is made up of two main parts: the airways and the lungs. The airways are the "channels" through which air passes before reaching the lungs - they include the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the trachea and the bronchioles. The lungs are the organs that perform gas exchange - they are the ones that extract the oxygen from the air and release the carbon dioxide.

To understand how the respiratory system works we must understand the several steps of the process, the anatomy of the organs involved and also the role of each of them for breathing. Also, the way the respiratory system interconnects with other systems in the human body, like the circulatory system, is another important aspect of learning about it.

Therefore, in this project, we will do a deep dive into the respiratory system. Are you ready?

Hands-on activity: 3D model of the respiratory system

Title of the activity:

Building a 3D Model of the Respiratory System

Project goal:

Students will build a three-dimensional model of the respiratory system, visually exploring the anatomy and function of its organs.

Detailed description of the project:

In this activity, students research, plan, and build a 3D model of the respiratory system using easily accessible and recyclable materials. This project will allow students to have a better understanding of the anatomy and the functionality of the human respiratory system.

Materials:

Materials are flexible and may vary depending on what students are able to find. Suggestions include:

1. Cardboard
2. Colored paper
3. Drinking straws
4. Modeling clay
5. Glue (either hot glue or white school glue)
6. Scissors

Detailed step-by-step:

1. Research and Planning: As a first step, students should research the respiratory system, identifying its main components and their functions. Students should record their findings and plan how each part of the system will be represented in the three-dimensional model. It is recommended that students create a sketch of the model.

2. Gathering the materials: Based on the plan they have made, students should gather the materials needed. It is recommended that students be creative and use recycled materials whenever possible.

3. Building the model: After gathering the materials and with their plan in hand, students should start building the model. Each organ of the respiratory system should be represented in the model clearly and as anatomically accurate as possible.

4. Finalizing and reviewing: After the model is built, students should review it and make any necessary corrections. The model should be complete, clean and clearly labeled with the parts of the respiratory system that it represents.

The groups should have between 3 to 5 students, with the duration of the project being approximately two to four hours per student, depending on the level of detail and complexity of the model.

Project deliverables:

At the end of the project, students will deliver the following:

1. 3D Model: Students will deliver the final model of the respiratory system that they built.

2. Project Report: Students will write a project report that details the project. This report should include:

   • Introduction: This should provide context for the topic, its real-world application and relevance, and the objective of this project.

   • Development: This should explain the theory behind the respiratory system, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used to build the model, and finally present and discuss the results obtained on the understanding of the respiratory system through the construction of the model.

   • Conclusion: This should provide a summary of what was learned, the challenges and successes faced along the way in building the model, and the conclusions drawn from the project.

   • Bibliography: This should list any sources that students used to learn about the respiratory system and to plan and build the 3D model.

All written submissions should be clear, well-organized, and use correct grammar and spelling. In the report, it is important for students to detail the steps they took to build the model, any challenges they encountered and how they overcame them, and the decisions they made during the process and their reasons for doing so.