We investigated the respiratory system for the science exhibition.
First of all we learned how we breathe and the parts involved in the respiratory system.
We then carried out two experiments: How to Make a Model Set of Lungs and How to Measure Your Lung Capacity.
How To Make a Model Set of Lungs
Equipment needed:
A 2 litre bottle, 2 balloons, blue tack, a rubber glove, sellotape.
Method:
Step 1: First, cut a 2 litre bottle in half.
Step 2: Next, place a straw into a balloon and use sellotape to stick it on. Ensure that there is no air getting through. This will represent our trachea and our lung.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 as we have 2 lungs.
Step 4: Then, place the two lungs through the top of the bottle and secure using blue tack. Again, make sure that there is no air getting through.
Step 5: After that, place a rubber glove on the bottom part of the bottle.
Step 6: Finally, pull down on the rubber glove to show the air coming into the lungs and going out of the lungs.
What We Have Learned:
- The diaphragm moves down when we breathe in to make room for air in the lungs.
- The diaphragm moves up when we breathe out pushing out the air.
- The diaphragm is an important muscle in our breathing system.
How to Measure Your Lung Capacity
Equipment needed:
Permanent marker, 5 litre bottle, basin, plastic tubing
Method:
Step 1: First, using a permanent marker, mark off a 5 litre bottle into 250 millimeter intervals.
Step 2: Next, fill the bottle up with water.
Step 3: Then, place a piece of tubing into the bottle.
Step 4: Ask your friend for some help in placing the bottle into a half filled basin of water. Ensure it is placed in the sink in case there is an over spillage of water.
Step 5: After that, place the tubing in your mouth. Taking an ordinary breath, blow out as much water as you can.
Step 6: Record, in millimeters, how much water you have blown out of the bottle.
Step 7: Then, fill up the bottle again. This time take a deep breath and blow into the bottle.
Step 8: Record, in millimeters, how much water you have blown out of the bottle.
Step 9: Do 15 minutes exercise a day for two and a half weeks.
Step 10: Finally, repeat Steps 2-8 after two and a half weeks.
What We Have Learned:
- Two people from our class measured their lung capacity before and after 15 minutes of exercise over two and a half weeks
- The results showed that their lung capacity had increased after two and a half weeks
We also carried out our own research about the respiratory system. This included information about; Smoking and the Lungs, How the Respiratory Works with Other Systems in the Body and Asthma.