C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual

Aerobic Respiration

Explain aerobic respiration as the process by which organisms release energy from glucose using oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water; write and interpret the word equation: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Suggested ages 12–13

Open direct link

Evidence of understanding

  • Writes and explains the word equation for aerobic respiration
  • Explains where in the cell aerobic respiration takes place (mitochondria)
  • Links aerobic respiration to why breathing rate and heart rate increase during exercise
  • Explains that respiration is not the same as breathing

Assessment prompt

If Aerobic Respiration had just finished PE and was breathing hard, could they explain what aerobic respiration is doing inside their muscle cells — and write out the word equation that describes it?

Standards alignment

MS-LS1-7US · ngss-ms

MS-LS1-7

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School

KS3.Sci.Bio.GasExchange.6GB · uk-nc-2013

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3

KS3.Sci.Bio.GasExchange.7GB · uk-nc-2013

Word summary for aerobic respiration

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3