Gas Exchange & Respiration

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Unit Summary

This KS3 National Curriculum unit showcases gas exchange systems in both humans and plants, and encourages learners to think about the interdependence of these. Learners will focus on the human lungs, helping them understand the function of the lungs and also undertaking a task to measure their own lung capacity.  There will also be some links to wellbeing, in order for learners to explore the impact of respiratory diseases on their health.  The second part of the unit shifts focus to the gas exchange system in plants, and the understanding of aerobic and anaerobic respiratory processes.

Experts in this lesson include Professor Anna Hansell, an environmental epidemiologist from Imperial College, London and Professor David Richardson, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia. There is also a demonstration, dissecting a sheep's lung (see below, contains graphic imagery)

This unit has been written by

Jonathan Badgery

Jonathan is a leading science writer and presenter. Having attended military school in the UK, Jon attended the University of East Anglia in the UK, where he gained his BSc in Chemical Physics. Following this, Jon completed his PGCE (Post-graduate Certificate of Education), teaching science and leading physics in large city secondary schools in the UK.

Jon is a passionate scientist and specialises in science communication; delivering CPD workshops, science lectures, shows and community science days.

Heather Bingham

Heather qualified with a first-class honours degree in climate science from the University of East Anglia. Since, she has joined Developing Experts as a writer and presenter, specialising in earth and environmental sciences.

She is also an internationally published science author, having written a series of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) digital textbooks aimed at improving learners’ understanding of English whilst igniting an interest in science.

Paul Usher

Paul studied English Literature at Nottingham Trent University and gained his PGCE (Post-graduate Certificate of Education) at the University of East Anglia. Following this, Paul had a successful teaching career, leading English across two large secondary schools and then becoming Vice Principal. He has led several schemes in cross-curricular literacy and has also led teaching and learning in a school, overseeing teacher training and development. Paul has also lectured at universities for graduate teachers.

At Developing Experts, Paul oversees the strategic direction of the curriculum and uses his creativity to structure the teaching and learning strategy. He also edits for accuracy in literacy and liaises with translation services to ensure a high-quality end product.

Mike Linley

Mike studied zoology and botany at Durham University and followed this with 3 years of postgraduate study at Bristol University with the Science Research Council.

Mike uses his vast experience to add knowledge and engagement to Developing Experts, particularly within the disciplines of biology and zoology. He has over 20 years TV production experience, including writing and producing nature programmes for the Disney channel and, for a period of time, was Sir David Attenborough’s scientific advisor.

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!

Rebecca Willerton

Rebecca studied Psychology at the University of York before working in a variety of roles - in both the UK and internationally - where she assisted individuals with neurodegenerative and developmental conditions. She then completed her science teacher training with the National STEM centre, Royal Society of Chemistry and the Association for Science Education. Rebecca teaches biology and chemistry at Key Stage 4 and general science at Key Stage 3, and has also ran neuroscience and eco clubs at her school.