How to Make a Working Model of the Lungs
From your Biology Guide
An easy way to make a working model of the lungs.
- Gather together scissors, 6 inches of surgical tubing, 3 balloons, 2 rubber bands, modeling clay, a plastic 1 liter bottle and a 3-way hose connector.
- Fit the surgical tubing into one of the openings in the hose connector.
- Use the modeling clay to make an airtight seal around the area where the tubing and the hose connector meet.
- Place a balloon around each of the remaining 2 openings in the hose connector.
- Tightly wrap the rubber bands around the balloons where the balloons and hose connector meet. The seal should be air tight.
- Measure one inch from the bottom of the bottle and cut the bottom off.
- Place the balloons and hose connector structure inside the bottle.
- Use the clay to seal the plastic tube into the narrow opening of the bottle at the neck.
- Tie a knot at the end of the remaining balloon and cut the large part of the balloon in half horizontally.
- Stretch the balloon over the bottom of the bottle using the half with the knot.
- Gently pull down on the balloon from the knot. This should cause air to flow into your lung model.
- When cutting the bottom of the bottle, make sure to cut it as smoothly as possible.
- When stretching the balloon over the bottom of the bottle, make sure it fits tautly.
More How To's from your Guide to Biology