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Full access The human bodyArt and pattern

Alveolus and vessel: where gases meet

Build a standing alveolus-and-vessel cross-section on a common base. Predict two gases’ movement with paper markers, explain and compare with tissues.

Age
12–14 years
Length
approx. 45 min
Level
Medium
Where you teach
School
Purpose
Educational
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How to run this session

Stages and timing
  1. Ring with two gaps
  2. Vessel and first prediction
  3. Make and cool the base
  4. Mount cool parts and make the welds

What gets built

The pupil identifies the opposite directions of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between alveolar air and blood.

What it practises
  • Explaining gas exchange directions
  • Reasoning from a model and recognising limitations

Success criteria
  • The model includes A/B/C and base D; every segment is mounted and both gaps remain open.
  • I independently choose and explain both gas directions in the lungs, name two layers and apply the principle to tissues.
  • I distinguish the schematic model and paper movement from real diffusion.
  • Observation: predict with cool parts after S02 (1 min); after assembly use the remaining 7 min of the 8 min allowance. Place higher/lower markers separately for O2 and CO2 using the teacher’s conditions, choose arrows and explain them. Identify and name two thin layers. Move paper above the schematic, not through gaps. Choose both directions on the separate tissue panel. Swap roles and each record your own conclusion. Predict a smaller O2 gradient and its equalisation; during discussion (6 min) name model limitations.

What you need
Filament
PLA
Colours
colour shown in the illustration
Also
PLA-compatible 3D pen with power supply and stand, Transparent PLA work mat, Set of printed patterns and aids, Paper for individual recording, Pencil, Ruler, Scissors

Files

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Version 2827f102-68a4-463b-bf16-701571bbaa3e Updated 2026-10-19

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