Project Proposal

Model Description:
We will have two different models; one for the oxygen exchange to carbon dioxide in the blood
and the other a model of a working lung. We would start with a plastic tube that allows the air to
go into the lungs. This plastic tube is connected to a cross section along with two balloons on
the other two remaining sides. You put this contraption inside a huge jug for water and finally
you cut a balloon ( without having more than one hole) and tape that on the bottom. If you pull
this balloon at the bottom the pressure will increase and the lungs would expand. There will be
water in each balloon and every time we pump them it will swap the water, which represents the
oxygen and carbon dioxide being exchanged.
Model Drawing:

Functions the model will perform:

The model will perform the functions of transferring blood and also intaking oxygen and
excreting carbon dioxide

Materials needed:
Cross-section pipe
3 balloons
Red food coloring
Water

Water jug
Clay/play dough
A straw
Duct tape
Masking tape
Scissors
Plastic tubing
Construction plan:
1. Take the water jug and cut it half
2. Take the two balloons fill them with 3 tablespoons of red food coloring and water
3. Tape each balloon on opposite sides of the cross-section
4. Cut the plastic tube to about 16 inches
5. Attach tube to remaining cross-section opening with duct tape
6. Put cross-section with balloons through the hole of the jug
7. Cover the bottom of jug with cut in half with large balloon
Biology/ Physics/ Chemistry principles used in the model/ functions
1. Air pressure-is the force exerted on you by the weight of tiny particles of air (air
molecules). Although air molecules are invisible, they still have weight and take up
space.This is demonstrated in the respiratory system because the lung inflates and
deflates based on the air pressure around the balloon.
2. Newtons 3rd law- For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
When we pull the bottom balloon it creates the same amount of force on the two other
pink balloons.
3. Diffusion Diffusion is the net movement of a substance (e.g., an atom, ion or
molecule) from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. Oxygen
diffuses in the blood cells and the oxygen gets diffused from the blood at the beginning
of the process.
4. Gas exchange- The main exchange is when the carbon dioxide leaves the cell
and oxygen takes its place.
5. Pump- a mechanical device using suction or pressure to raise or move liquids, to
compress gases, or force air into inflatable objects such as tires. This principle is shown
in the respiratory system by how the blood is transferred up into the lungs and back
through the heart.

Special needs:
none
Unresolved issues:
We might need to experiment with our idea until we find a realistic representation of our system.
What we need to further work on:

How we will demonstrate gas exchange?

No support system??
Need back up plan