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Time to investigate

Science Year 3
This unit is part of Year 3 Science Keeping Healthy

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Objectives

Learn how the diaphragm is used in breathing and build an instrument to measure lung capacity. Plan and carry out an investigation to answer a health and fitness question.

Science Objectives

i) Identify that humans and some other animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement.

Working Scientifically

  1. Set up simple practical enquiries and comparative and fair tests.
  2. Make systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units.
  3. Use results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions.

Other Curriculum Areas
Maths - Statistics

  • Interpret and present data using bar charts, pictograms and tables.
  • Solve one-step and two-step questions.

You Will Need

Provided Resources

  • Printouts of task sheet (and support sheets in case they are needed)

Additional Resources

  • 2 X 5 litre water bottle with caps
  • 2 x 70cm of clear plastic tubing
  • 2 large clear plastic containers (e.g. strong storage boxes)
  • Masking tape
  • Permanent marker pens
  • 2 measuring jugs
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • A range of other scientific equipment for investigations, e.g. clipboards, stopwatches, balance equipment, graph paper and/or squared paper

Weblinks
'How is oxygen transported around the body' from www.bbc.co.uk

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Know the diaphragm is used in breathing and the lungs transfer oxygen to the blood.
  • Know that muscles need more oxygen to work hard and this affects breathing rate.
  • Plan and carry out an investigation in groups to answer a specific given question.
  • Review findings and look for patterns in data that may/may not confirm predictions.

Activities

  1. Learn what lung capacity means and how to make an instrument to measure it in litres.
  2. Plan and carry out a practical investigation in groups that attempts to answer a scientific question.
  3. Display and interpret data collected to either confirm or reject predictions and seek to explain findings.

Investigation - exploring/analysing secondary sources
Plan and carry out a practical investigation in groups that attempts to answer a scientific question.

Vocabulary
Lungs, diaphragm, lung capacity, investigate, measure, compare

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