Respiratory System Functions Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Respiratory System 5E Lesson provides a student-led exploration of how the respiratory system works to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Aligned with TEKS 7.13A, this comprehensive unit includes editable PowerPoints, worksheets, assessments, and Spanish translations for key materials. Using the 5E Model, students engage in discussion-based activities and explore the respiratory system through a differentiated station lab featuring hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, categorization activities, writing prompts, and assessment questions. Explanation resources include interactive notebooks and note-taking templates, while student-choice projects deepen understanding of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review worksheets support evaluation. Designed for flexible, multimodal learning, this lesson works for both in-person and virtual instruction. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the respiratory system. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Respiratory System 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit that explores how the organs of the respiratory system work together to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It includes editable PowerPoints, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments designed for flexible, low-prep, multimodal learning. The lesson is aligned with TEKS 7.13A and offers Spanish translations of vocabulary, station lab readings, and interactive notebook pages.
Following the 5E Model, the unit engages students with discussion-based activities and word wall cards. During exploration, a differentiated station lab allows students to investigate the respiratory system through hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, categorization activities, writing prompts, illustrations, and assessment questions. A bonus extension station provides additional learning challenges. Explanation materials include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. For elaboration, student-choice projects deepen understanding of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Evaluation resources feature STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review worksheets, and class discussion questions.
This lesson is adaptable for in-person or virtual learning, ensuring students stay engaged through interactive and differentiated instruction.
The Kesler Science Respiratory System 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit that explores how the organs of the respiratory system work together to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It includes editable PowerPoints, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments designed for flexible, low-prep, multimodal learning. The lesson is aligned with TEKS 7.13A and offers Spanish translations of vocabulary, station lab readings, and interactive notebook pages.
Following the 5E Model, the unit engages students with discussion-based activities and word wall cards. During exploration, a differentiated station lab allows students to investigate the respiratory system through hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, categorization activities, writing prompts, illustrations, and assessment questions. A bonus extension station provides additional learning challenges. Explanation materials include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. For elaboration, student-choice projects deepen understanding of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Evaluation resources feature STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review worksheets, and class discussion questions.
This lesson is adaptable for in-person or virtual learning, ensuring students stay engaged through interactive and differentiated instruction.
Engage your students in an interactive, student-led exploration of the respiratory system with this station lab aligned to the 2021 TEKS 7.13A standard. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this lesson allows students to identify and model the main functions of the respiratory system through differentiated, hands-on activities. With a student-centered approach, learners take charge of their own understanding while teachers facilitate their progress.
The nine modular stations provide multiple ways for students to engage with the content, including watching videos, reading informational passages, conducting research, and participating in hands-on tasks. Students apply their knowledge by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. Differentiated reading passages in English and Spanish support diverse learning needs, while the digital version allows for interactive engagement through PowerPoint or Google Slides.
To further challenge students, a bonus station offers extension activities such as crosswords, games, and mini projects for early finishers and advanced learners. This low-prep, high-engagement resource promotes critical thinking, active learning, and a deeper understanding of the respiratory system.
Engage your students in an interactive, student-led exploration of the respiratory system with this station lab aligned to the 2021 TEKS 7.13A standard. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this lesson allows students to identify and model the main functions of the respiratory system through differentiated, hands-on activities. With a student-centered approach, learners take charge of their own understanding while teachers facilitate their progress.
The nine modular stations provide multiple ways for students to engage with the content, including watching videos, reading informational passages, conducting research, and participating in hands-on tasks. Students apply their knowledge by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. Differentiated reading passages in English and Spanish support diverse learning needs, while the digital version allows for interactive engagement through PowerPoint or Google Slides.
To further challenge students, a bonus station offers extension activities such as crosswords, games, and mini projects for early finishers and advanced learners. This low-prep, high-engagement resource promotes critical thinking, active learning, and a deeper understanding of the respiratory system.
The Respiratory System Functions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A, giving middle school students the flexibility to select a project that matches their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also part of the Respiratory System Functions Complete Lesson for TEKS 7.13A.
These multimodal projects allow students to demonstrate their understanding in creative ways. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge options for advanced learners. Teachers can customize the rubric to fit grading needs.
The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, and many can be completed digitally.
The Respiratory System Functions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A, giving middle school students the flexibility to select a project that matches their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also part of the Respiratory System Functions Complete Lesson for TEKS 7.13A.
These multimodal projects allow students to demonstrate their understanding in creative ways. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge options for advanced learners. Teachers can customize the rubric to fit grading needs.
The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, and many can be completed digitally.
The Respiratory System Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS, helping students understand how the organs of the respiratory system function within the body. Students will create a working model of the respiratory system using simple materials like plastic bottles, straws, and balloons.
This resource includes three differentiated labs to support all learners. The Dependent Student Lab provides guided instructions with inquiry questions for on-level learners. The Modified Student Lab offers a structured experience with sentence stems and multiple-choice questions for students needing additional support. The Independent Student Lab allows advanced learners to take charge of their exploration with minimal guidance.
Editable teacher resource pages outline objectives, materials, and directions. Reflection questions help students develop claim, evidence, and reasoning statements. Answer keys simplify grading, ensuring a smooth and engaging learning experience.
The Respiratory System Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS, helping students understand how the organs of the respiratory system function within the body. Students will create a working model of the respiratory system using simple materials like plastic bottles, straws, and balloons.
This resource includes three differentiated labs to support all learners. The Dependent Student Lab provides guided instructions with inquiry questions for on-level learners. The Modified Student Lab offers a structured experience with sentence stems and multiple-choice questions for students needing additional support. The Independent Student Lab allows advanced learners to take charge of their exploration with minimal guidance.
Editable teacher resource pages outline objectives, materials, and directions. Reflection questions help students develop claim, evidence, and reasoning statements. Answer keys simplify grading, ensuring a smooth and engaging learning experience.
The Body Systems Escape Room is an interactive experience that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the major body systems, including their structures and functions. Prior knowledge of these systems is necessary before participating.
This escape room gives teachers full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. It can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, editable templates, video challenges, and engaging props. Students will work through puzzles using various materials, such as a mirror, red cellophane, or an optional UV pen and flashlight. Reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and fun photo signs enhance the experience, making this a memorable, standards-aligned learning activity.
The Body Systems Escape Room is an interactive experience that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the major body systems, including their structures and functions. Prior knowledge of these systems is necessary before participating.
This escape room gives teachers full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. It can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, editable templates, video challenges, and engaging props. Students will work through puzzles using various materials, such as a mirror, red cellophane, or an optional UV pen and flashlight. Reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and fun photo signs enhance the experience, making this a memorable, standards-aligned learning activity.
This Respiratory System Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the structures and functions of the respiratory system through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. Designed for grades 6-8, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
Students complete five to seven comprehension questions and create an informational poster on respiratory disorders. A Cornell notes template is included for additional support. The resource features engaging, printable graphics and is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas.
Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key respiratory system concepts.
This Respiratory System Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the structures and functions of the respiratory system through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. Designed for grades 6-8, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
Students complete five to seven comprehension questions and create an informational poster on respiratory disorders. A Cornell notes template is included for additional support. The resource features engaging, printable graphics and is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas.
Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key respiratory system concepts.
The Respiratory System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative, song-based writing exercise to test their knowledge of life science. Aligned with TEKS, this activity reinforces understanding of the respiratory system’s functions while fostering science reasoning and exploration. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it keeps students engaged beyond the classroom.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics; projection and print handouts in full and half-sheet formats; and a digital interactive PowerPoint version compatible with Google Slides. It serves as a cross-curricular activity, pre-test assessment, student choice project, or differentiation exercise. Ideal for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS samples, this prompt encourages creativity and scientific literacy, making it a valuable addition to any classroom.
The Respiratory System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative, song-based writing exercise to test their knowledge of life science. Aligned with TEKS, this activity reinforces understanding of the respiratory system’s functions while fostering science reasoning and exploration. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it keeps students engaged beyond the classroom.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics; projection and print handouts in full and half-sheet formats; and a digital interactive PowerPoint version compatible with Google Slides. It serves as a cross-curricular activity, pre-test assessment, student choice project, or differentiation exercise. Ideal for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS samples, this prompt encourages creativity and scientific literacy, making it a valuable addition to any classroom.
The Body Systems WIKI Tickets© provide engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes nine assessments covering the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous (including senses), respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital option in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on their own paper, use printed handouts, or complete the digital version in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. WIKI Tickets© provide a versatile and engaging way to assess student learning throughout the year.
The Body Systems WIKI Tickets© provide engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes nine assessments covering the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous (including senses), respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital option in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on their own paper, use printed handouts, or complete the digital version in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. WIKI Tickets© provide a versatile and engaging way to assess student learning throughout the year.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems. These activities support critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They are perfect for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and keeping students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide flexible, high-level resources for independent learning and enrichment.
Covering topics such as the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, these extensions ensure students explore middle school anatomy and physiology in a meaningful way.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems. These activities support critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They are perfect for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and keeping students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide flexible, high-level resources for independent learning and enrichment.
Covering topics such as the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, these extensions ensure students explore middle school anatomy and physiology in a meaningful way.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces the respiratory system through a real-world scenario. An introductory reading engages students with the experience of playing outside on a chilly day, followed by comprehension and extension questions. An explanatory reading breaks down why your chest hurts after running in the cold, reinforcing concepts with additional questions.
This TEKS-aligned resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for use in Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A differentiated version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings supplement instruction in any in-person or virtual classroom.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces the respiratory system through a real-world scenario. An introductory reading engages students with the experience of playing outside on a chilly day, followed by comprehension and extension questions. An explanatory reading breaks down why your chest hurts after running in the cold, reinforcing concepts with additional questions.
This TEKS-aligned resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for use in Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A differentiated version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings supplement instruction in any in-person or virtual classroom.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What is the main function of the respiratory system?
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How can we model the main functions of these tissues and organs?
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TEKS Science - 7.13A Respiratory System Functions
Kesler Science Membership
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