Sometimes a little pressure isn't a bad thing! A collaborative lesson uses models to demonstrate how air pressure inflates and deflates the lungs. Participants use everyday materials to create models of the chest cavity to simulate how a change in pressure causes inflation and deflation of the lungs.

Concepts

oxygen, carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, the respiratory system, gas pressure

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have pupils sketch their water bottle models and label with the organs each part represents

Classroom Considerations

• Expect individuals are familiar with the parts of the respiratory system
• Requires a specific set of materials and time to assemble prior to the activity
• The lesson is meant to follow the previous in the 21-part series that introduces the parts of the respiratory system
  

Pros

• Uses a hands-on approach to learn a new scientific phenomenon
• Emphasizes key vocabulary throughout the lesson

Cons

• None