Lungs vs Gills

About this printable Lungs vs Gills science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 3-5)

This engaging 250-word science reading passage helps Grade 4 students understand the differences between lungs and gills as respiratory structures. Aligned with NGSS standard 4-LS1-1, the passage explains how lungs take oxygen from air while gills extract oxygen from water. Students explore why different environments require different body structures for the same function of getting oxygen into the body. The passage uses simple, age-appropriate language and real-world examples to build foundational understanding of animal structures and their functions. Audio integration supports diverse learners by providing text-to-speech functionality. The passage includes bolded vocabulary terms with immediate definitions, helping students learn key science terminology in context. Accompanying activities include multiple-choice comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that reinforce understanding of structure-function relationships. This resource is perfect for introducing respiratory systems, comparing animal adaptations, and preparing students for hands-on investigations about how different animals meet their needs in various environments. The passage supports the NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea LS1.A: Structure and Function.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Preview

Sample passage and quiz from Lungs vs Gills

Dog using lungs; fish using gills. — Lungs breathe air; gills breathe water.

All animals need oxygen to survive. Oxygen is a gas that the body uses to make energy. Animals get oxygen in different ways depending on where they live.

Lungs are body parts that take oxygen from air. Lungs are inside the chest of animals like humans, dogs, and birds. When you breathe in, air enters your lungs. The lungs pull oxygen out of the air and send it into the blood. The blood carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Animals with lungs cannot breathe underwater because their lungs only work with air.

Gills are body parts that take oxygen from water. Gills are located near the head of animals like fish and tadpoles. Water flows over the gills, and the gills pull oxygen out of the water. Just like lungs send oxygen to the blood, gills do the same thing. Most fish cannot breathe air because their gills only work in water.

Both lungs and gills do the same job—they get oxygen into the body. But they work in different places. Lungs work in air. Gills work in water. Different environments, or surroundings, require different structures, or body parts. This is why land animals have lungs and water animals have gills.

Interesting Fact: Some animals, like lungfish and certain frogs, have both lungs and gills at different times in their lives! This helps them survive in water when they are young and on land when they grow up.