Science·The Human Body·conceptual
How the Lungs Work
Explain how the respiratory system works in detail: air travels through the nose/mouth, down the trachea, into bronchi and bronchioles, reaching tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen passes into the blood and carbon dioxide passes out
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is discovering how their body works — exploring the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems in detail, and understanding how lifestyle choices affect their health and development.
Evidence of understanding
- Trace the air pathway: nose/mouth → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
- Explain gas exchange in the alveoli: oxygen passes into blood capillaries, carbon dioxide passes out
- Describe the mechanical process: the diaphragm contracts to pull air in and relaxes to push air out
Assessment prompt
Can How the Lungs Work describe what happens to the air they breathe in — how it travels deeper and deeper into the lungs until oxygen swaps into the blood?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.