Circulatory and Respiratory Systems Unit

How do the circulatory and respiratory systems respond to increased activity, and what does that tell us about how your body maintains balance (homeostasis)? This essential question guides an engaging mini-unit that explores how the heart and lungs work together to support the body during exercise and recovery. Students learn how oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal adjust to meet changing demands, revealing the body’s incredible ability to maintain balance.

Packed with an interactive presentation, real-world case studies, and a hands-on lab, this unit makes complex physiology approachable for students new to human body systems. Through analyzing data and applied scenarios, students connect science to their own bodies and everyday experiences, building a strong foundation in system interactions and homeostasis.

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Focuses on core concepts — Clear explanations of system functions, gas exchange, and feedback during activity
• Interactive and hands-on — Includes pulse rate lab, athlete case study, and a student-friendly presentation
• Develops critical thinking — Students analyze real data to understand system responses and homeostasis
• Easy to implement — Detailed lesson plans, answer keys, and NGSS alignment save prep time

What’s Inside:

• Pacing Guide — Objectives, timing, and materials for each lesson
• Detailed Lesson Plan — Background info, step-by-step instructions, and assessment ideas
• Circulatory & Respiratory Systems Presentation & Notes — An engaging introduction that explains how the heart and lungs work together to transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
• Pulse Rate & Activity Lab — A hands-on lab where students measure their pulse before and after exercise to observe real-time system responses.
• Case Study: Athlete’s Body in Action — Students analyze data on heart and breathing rates during a race to understand how these systems adapt to intense activity.
• Circulatory & Respiratory Quiz — An assessment to check students’ understanding of system functions, gas exchange, and interactions during exercise.
• Answer Keys and Teacher Guide — Complete support materials that make grading and lesson planning quick and easy.

Support your students in discovering the incredible balance and teamwork inside their bodies with this interactive, data-rich mini-unit perfect for any secondary science classroom!

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Jessica