- Make a Lung
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Make a Model of a Lung
Target group: any age
Supplies: Plastic 2L pop bottle with cap, 2 balloons (preferably pink or red), Y-connector or straw to make a Y, piece of the theraband or large balloon, tape (large clear packing tape works best), scissors, drill
Activity
Assembly:
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Cut the pop bottle in half. Discard the bottom half. Keep the top half and tape its cut edge so it will not cut the theraband.
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Drill a hole in the cap, just large enough to push the Y-connector through - it should be a snug fit. Screw the cap tightly on the bottle.
- Use small pieces of tape to connect the balloons to the equal ends of the Y-connector - ensure that there are no leaks. Push the third end of the Y through the cap from the inside of the bottle.
- Cut a piece of the Theraband or a large piece of balloon - the "latex" - to fit the open end of the pop bottle. If you are using a balloon, tie it shut and cut it so the knot can be centered on the bottom of the pop bottle.
- Stretch the latex just taut over the open end of the pop bottle and tape it in place, with the balloons and Y-connector inside. Stretch the latex just taut over the bottom of the pop bottle.
Operation:
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When you pull down gently on the latex (contract the diaphragm) at the bottom of the pop bottle, you generate a negative pressure inside the bottle (chest cavity). This causes air from the room to be drawn into the balloons (lungs). The balloons (lungs) naturally deflate when the latex is released (diaphragm relaxes).
This idea was shared at the Better Breathing Conference 2003 in Ontario, by Tracy Bonifacio RRT at the William Olser Health Centre.
