AQA A-Level Biology – Mechanisms of Breathing (Lesson 6.7) | Pulmonary Ventilation

This fully resourced PowerPoint lesson covers the mechanisms of breathing and is designed for teaching AQA A-Level Biology specification 3.3.2 (Gas Exchange). The lesson follows the structure of Lesson 6.7 from the AQA textbook and clearly explains how ventilation moves air into and out of the lungs.

The PowerPoint guides students through the mechanics of inhalation and exhalation, linking diaphragm and intercostal muscle action to changes in thoracic volume and pressure. Students will also learn how pulmonary ventilation is defined and calculated, with clear worked examples to support understanding.

This lesson is ideal for Year 12 A-Level Biology and works well for both first teaching and revision.

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

Explain how and why air is moved into the lungs during inhalation.

Explain how air is moved out of the lungs during exhalation.

Define pulmonary ventilation and calculate it using breathing rate and tidal volume.

Included in this resource

Clear teaching slides explaining the mechanics of breathing

Step-by-step diagrams showing inhalation and exhalation

Explanation of pressure changes in the thoracic cavity

Pulmonary ventilation calculation guidance and examples

Practice questions and discussion prompts

Slides designed to support exam-style explanations

The slides are visually clear, easy to follow, and suitable for whole-class teaching, helping students link structure, pressure changes, and ventilation to the requirements of the AQA specification.

Perfect for teachers looking for a ready-to-teach lesson on breathing mechanisms and pulmonary ventilation within the Gas Exchange topic.