Living Physics Portal: References for Physics of the Respiratory System Module

Abstract: A hands-on, active learning 6-section module covering the mechanics of breathing and the pressure differences guiding air flow in the respiratory system in health and disease. Curriculum reviews and expands on introductory physics content. Module activities are directed toward an application of physics to medicine and address MCAT Pre-Health Competencies of knowledge of basic physical principles and their applications to the understanding of living systems and importance of fluids for the circulation of blood, gas movement, and gas exchange. Target audience is students pursuing graduate school/careers in medicine or health care.

Resource Types: Instructor supplement

Authors:

Nancy Donaldson

Rockhurst University

Charles Gosselin

Rockhurst University

Mary Lowe

Loyola University Maryland

TOPICS

Physics Topics:

Classical Mechanics > Applications of Newton's Laws > Pressure

Fluid Mechanics > Dynamics of Fluids > Flow Rate, Hagen-Poiseuille Equation

Fluid Mechanics > Statics of Fluids > Atmospheric Pressure, Measuring Pressure, Static Pressure

Life Sciences Topics:

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Causal Mechanisms > Biologically Mediated Mechanisms, Physical Mechanisms

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Structure/Function Relationships

Human and Animal Physiology > Respiratory System > Healthy Respiratory Function, Respiratory Disorders

Medical Applications

Chemistry Topics:

None

Math Topics:

Algebra; Geometry; Trigonometry

FILES Download0

Physics of the Respiratory System - Six Section Module > References for Physics of the Respiratory System Module

References for Physics of the Respiratory System Module

7_References - Physics of the Respiratory System.docx

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INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

IMPLEMENTATION

Duration: 6 sessions of 60 - 75 minutes per session.

Equipment required: Computers / software; Everyday items; Standard physics equipment; Specialized physics equipment

Specific equipment needed: Pasco: Two Absolute Pressure Sensors; Spirometer (optional); Special Equipment: Section 8 of this Resource contains all building instructions and pictures, parts/supplies, and cost for Lung Model and Alveoli Laplace Apparatus (these apparatus are used in multiple sections of the curriculum to provide best use of time and cost to build them). Cost for one Lung Model = $130; cost for eight units= $400 (supplies in bulk); Cost for one Alveoli Apparatus - $40; cost for 5 units = $495. A class set of Lung Models and Alveoli Apparatus can be built for under $1000.

Basic implementation tips & tricks: See Section 0 (Instructor Preface). The author conducts this studio-style curriculum with 28 students (7 groups of 4). The nature of the curriculum allows groups to work independently as the instructor circles the room eliciting questions, followed by a class discussion. The curriculum is easily adaptable to different pedagogical styles, and completion time can be reduced with pre-class reading, post-class homework, and activities moved to lab settings. Each of the 6 Sections can function as an independent curriculum packet that includes learning objectives (with matched assessments), reading, writing, and hands-on activities.

How does this resource fit into the flow of your course? This Resource is part of our Physics of the Body II course which students take as part of the Physics of Medicine Program. This is an "intermediate" physics course that pre-med and pre-physical therapy students take after completing their introductory physics class. With the proper student foundation, the resource could easily be used in an IPLS class.

PEDAGOGY

Pedagogical approach: Peer Instruction / Think-Pair-Share; Collaborative problem-solving; Conceptually-oriented activities; Context-rich problems; Ranking tasks; Guided inquiry; SCALE-UP / studio / workshop physics; Modeling Instruction; Mathematically-focused activities; Experimentally-focused activities; Just-in-time Teaching; N/A

Skills / Competencies: Dimensional analysis; Functional dependence; Multiple representations; Estimation; Intuition building; Building models; Evaluating models; Performing experiments; Analyzing experimental data; Applying physical principles; Interdisciplinarity; Metacognitive skills; N/A

What insights or realizations do you hope students gain from this resource? The structure and function of our Respiratory System is based on physics principles of force, pressure, work, energy, elasticity, fluid mechanics, gas laws, and efficiency of design that explain its physiology in health and disease. Students will incorporate these physics principles with anatomy/physiology as they investigate the cause of airflow into the trachea, through the progressively smaller respiratory branches, and into the alveoli where it diffuses across the walls into the blood. This inquiry-based curriculum is designed to increase students’ critical thinking skills and integration of physics with life science.

Why is this resource useful to life sciences students? The Respiratory Module addresses fluid dynamics principles and their relationship to the human body in the following areas: the pressure-volume study of the intrathoracic cavity and the operation of the lungs, airflow through the bronchial cavities, and the Laplace Principle in the expansion/contraction of the alveoli. Physics concepts in this module are applicable to the MCAT and will prepare students well for medical or health-related graduate school/professional programs. All material is presented through an application of physics to medicine, and respiratory diseases are investigated through a context of physics principles

DISCUSSION

SUBMISSION DETAILS

License: CC: BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license

Last Edit Date: January 25, 2019