Breathing Machine

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In this activity, learners work in teams to construct human lung models from small plastic beverage bottles and balloons. Learners use the models to investigate how movements of the diaphragm cause lungs to inflate. This activity can be enhanced by sharing the "Health Hazards of Lunar Dust" Podcast with learners (see related resource link). This resource includes background information and variation ideas.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 2 balloons, 9-in. round
  • Pair of scissors
  • Prepared small or medium-sized clear plastic bottle (soft drink, water or detergent bottle, see Setup)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Respiration
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Moreno, Nancy P. ; Tharp, Barbara Z. ; Dresden, Judith

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Baylor College of Medicine, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), R25 ES06932
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), R25 ES010698