The Lung Model Project Background Information
The respiratory system is an organ system in the body primarily used for gas exchange. In most four-legged animals, the respiratory system generally includes tubes, called the bronchi, which carry air to the lungs, where gas is exchanged. A diaphragm pulls air in and pushes it out.
In humans and other mammals, the respiratory system consists of the airways, the lungs and the respiratory muscles that move air into and out of the body. In the alveoli of the lungs, oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules are exchanged between the gaseous environment in the lungs and the blood. The respiratory system facilitates the movement of oxygen to the blood, while removing carbon dioxide and other gaseous wastes from circulation.
In this laboratory activity, you will build a model that demonstrates how the lungs work. Through this activity, you will be able to explain what happens to lungs when a person inhales or exhales.
Lung Model Project Learning Objectives:
At the end of this laboratory activity, students are expected to:
- build a lung model to demonstrate how it works.
- explain what happens to lungs when a person inhales or exhales.
- describe the role of diaphragm in breathing process.Pre-lab Questions:
- Differentiate inhalation and exhalation.
- Inhale and exhale. Do it three times. What do you notice on your chest cavity as you inhale and exhale?
- What do you think is the role of diaphragm in the breathing process?
Here are the Files Downloadable Files for the Lung Model Project Lab Activity
- 7-5 Laboratory Activity SE - The Respiratory System (Docx)
- 7-5 Laboratory Activity SE - The Respiratory System (PDF)
- 7-5 Laboratory Activity TE - The Respiratory System (Docx Member Only)
- 7-5 Laboratory Activity TE - The Respiratory System (PDF Member Only)
Lung Model Lab Proper:
Materials for each pair of students:
- 2-L plastic bottle with screw top cap
- 3 drinking straws
- 2 rubber bands
- tape
- 2 identical size balloons
- adhesive tape
- plastic wrap
- scissors
Lung Model Lab Activity Procedure:
1. Pierce the bottom part of the plastic bottle with the scissors. Then, cut around the bottom of the bottle with the scissors.
2. Carefully cut or screw a hole in the bottle cap. The hole should be the same size as the straw as it will be inserted in it.
3. Cut the straws to be the windpipe. Use 2 to 3 straws for this step. If you are using bending straws, cut them slightly after the bend in the straw, so you are still able to bend it. If not, cut about 3 inches off one side. Keep one of the longer lengths of the straws to do the following: Take the scissors and cut the straw at an angle on both sides to create a point. Once you have the point, use the scissors and put one blade inside the straw and cut about 1 to 1.5 inch up. Repeat for the other side.
4. Now there is a slit to place the smaller straw pieces into. Make sure the smaller pieces fit the way you want, and that air can be blown through one and go out of both ends. Finally, light tape the pieces together so there is no excess air able to go through the slits. Remember not to tape it too tight or it will constrict air flow.
5. Take the two balloons and use the scissors to cut the top of the balloon off. Cutting the top part of the balloons make it easier to attach it on each end of the straw.
6. Take one balloon and insert the end of one straw into it. Using tape, lightly wrap the balloon around the straw making sure there is no obstruction to air flow. Repeat with the other balloon and straw.
7. Insert the straw with balloons into the bottom of the bottle. Take the lid and put the end of the straw (without balloon) through the hole. Screw the lid back onto the bottle and lightly tape around the hole so there is no excess air that will go inside the bottle. If the hole in the lid is too big, use some clay around it to make it airtight.
8. Cut a square of plastic wrap large enough to cover the bottom of the bottle. Using rubber bands, secure the plastic wrap around the bottle.
9. Use extra tape or an extra rubber band and tape to create a pull tab for the plastic at the bottom of the bottle. Simply fold the tape over on itself, so it creates a rope. Then tape the rope onto the bottom of the bottle with plastic.
10. Pull the plastic wrap down and see what happens to the lung model. Continue doing it to show how your lung model works.
Lung Model Project Post-Lab Activity Questions:
- Write down the organ that each material used in the lung model represent.
- straw – ___________________________
- balloons – ___________________________
- plastic bottle – ___________________________
- plastic sheet – ___________________________
- How does your lung model show the breathing process?
- How important is the role of the diaphragm in breathing process? Why?
- What is the limitation of this lung model?
Here is your Free Content on The Respiratory System
The Respiratory System - PDFs
- 7-5 Assignment SE - The Respiratory System (FREE)
- 7-5 Assignment TE - The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
- 7-5 Bell Work SE - The Respiratory System (FREE)
- 7-5 Bell Work TE - The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
- 7-5 Exit Quiz SE - The Respiratory System (FREE)
- 7-5 Exit Quiz TE - The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
- 7-5 Guided Notes SE - The Respiratory System (FREE)
- 7-5 Guided Notes TE - The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
- 7-5 Lesson Plan- The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
- 7-5 Online Activities- The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
- 7-5 Slide Show- The Respiratory System (FREE)
- 7-5 Vocabulary Worksheet SE - The Respiratory System (FREE)
- 7-5 Vocabulary Worksheet TE - The Respiratory System ( Members Only )
The Respiratory System Worksheets - Word Docs & PowerPoints
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Unit 7 - The Human Body Systems
- 7-1 Levels of Biological Organization
- 7-2 The Skeletal System
- 7-3 The Muscular System
- 7-4 The Integumentary System
- 7-5 The Respiratory System
- 7-6 The Digestive System
- 7-7 The Endocrine System
- 7-8 The Urinary System
- 7-9 The Excretory System
- 7-10 The Reproductive System
- 7-11 The Nervous System
- 7-12 Interactions Among Body Systems