How the Lungs Work

About this printable How the Lungs Work science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 3-5)

This audio-integrated reading passage teaches fourth grade students about the respiratory system and how the lungs function. Aligned with NGSS 4-LS1-1 and the Disciplinary Core Idea LS1.A: Structure and Function, the passage explains how lungs are spongy organs that bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide waste. Students learn the path air travels from the nose or mouth, through the windpipe, and into the lungs where oxygen enters the bloodstream. The passage also introduces the diaphragm, a muscle that helps control breathing through its up and down movement. Written at a Grade 4 reading level, this passage uses simple language and relatable examples to build foundational understanding of internal body structures and their functions. The audio-integrated format supports diverse learners, including English language learners and students who benefit from multimodal instruction. Accompanying activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that reinforce key vocabulary such as lungs, oxygen, carbon dioxide, windpipe, and diaphragm while helping students visualize the breathing process.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz from How the Lungs Work

Your lungs are two spongy organs inside your chest that help you breathe. Lungs are important because they bring oxygen into your body. Oxygen is a gas in the air that your body needs to stay alive and work properly.

When you breathe in, air enters through your nose or mouth. The air travels down a tube called the windpipe and into your lungs. Inside your lungs, oxygen from the air passes into your blood. Your blood then carries the oxygen to all parts of your body. This is like how a delivery truck brings packages to different houses in your neighborhood.

When you breathe out, your lungs push out carbon dioxide, which is a waste gas your body does not need. Carbon dioxide is made when your body uses oxygen. Getting rid of carbon dioxide keeps your body healthy.

Under your lungs is a special muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves up and down to help you breathe. When it moves down, your lungs fill with air. When it moves up, air is pushed out of your lungs. You breathe in and out about 20 times every minute without even thinking about it!

Interesting Fact: Your lungs contain about 1,500 miles of airways! If you stretched out all the tiny tubes inside your lungs, they would be long enough to reach from New York to Kansas.