Modelling the lungs

Task

1. Draw a diagram of the model in the box. Add labels around the box to show what each
part represents.

2. What happens to the balloon inside when you pull down the large balloon?
..............................................................................................................................................

3. Explain your observation.

..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................

4. Complete the table to describe what happens to each of these structures when we inhale
and exhale.

volume inside Pressure

diaphragm ribcage lungs
ribcage inside ribcage

inhale contracts inflate

exhale decreases

5. Complete these sentences

i. I think my model of the lung is realistic because

................................................................................................................................................

ii. I think the model of the lung is not realistic because

................................................................................................................................................

iii. I think the model of the lung could be improved by

................................................................................................................................................

Keywords

lungs trachea ribcage diaphragm contract

relax inflate deflate volume pressure

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 Modelling the lungs

Teaching notes and answers

Students could make their own model lung or watch a demo or a video clip. For example
the video ‘Model of lung’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBv2BqqAydE) shows how to
make a model lung and what happens as the ‘diaphragm’ relaxes and contracts.

1. Diagram should include the labels:

balloon = lungs, straw = trachea, bottle = rib cage, large balloon = diaphragm

2. The balloon inflates

3. As the ‘diaphragm’ moves down, the volume in the bottle increases, the pressure
inside decreases compared to air pressure causing the small balloon to inflate.

4.

volume pressure
diaphragm ribcage inside inside lungs
ribcage ribcage

moves up
inhale contracts increases decreases inflate
and out

moves down
exhale relaxes decreases increases deflate
and in

© www.teachitscience.co.uk 2014 19985 Page 2 of 2

 You will need: Follow these instructions to make a model
of the lung.

Modelling the lungs - 250ml bottle

- scissors 1 First cut the bottom of the bottle off using
the scissors.
- 1 small balloon
2 Tie a knot in the large balloon and then cut
- 1 large balloon
off the top part of the balloon
- 1 drinking straw
3. Attach this around the cut end of the bottle
- plasticine so that the balloon covers it.
- 1 elastic band 4 Insert the straw into the neck of the small
balloon, wrap the elastic band around it to
keep it attached.
5 Place the balloon end of the straw into the
Click here for a neck of the bottle.
video clip 6 Use the plasticine to create a seal around
on how to make a straw and the neck of the bottle.
model lung

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