5B has been learning all about the human body. This week we studied the respiratory system and learned about a very important muscle called the diaphragm. To better understand how the diaphragm and lungs work together to help us breathe, the students made working models. We used a plastic cup to represent the ribcage, a straw as the throat, a small balloon as the lung and a larger balloon for the diaphragm! When students pulled down on the diaphragm, the lung inside the cup filled with air. When the diaphragm was relaxed, the lung was emptied of all its air – just like in our bodies!
This hands-on exploration really helped us understand why our diaphragm is important, and how it helps our lungs inhale and exhale.
You can make your own working model at home by following these instructions:
