Polluted Air = Polluted Lungs
To gain a better understanding of the roles and functions of components of the human respiratory system and our need for clean air, students construct model lungs that include a diaphragm and chest cavity. They see how air moving in and out of the lungs coincides with diaphragm movement. Then student teams design and build a prototype face mask pollution filter. They use their model lungs to evaluate their prototypes to design requirements.
Students create model lungs to see the impact of polluted air on the lungsCopyright Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/350366045986803362/.
Engineers often make models of systems to better understand how they work, their inputs and outputs, and how they change as inputs change. Systems sometimes change depending on their inputs, and engineers know that air quality affects the respiratory system. Many engineering disciplines are involved in measuring and maintaining acceptable outdoor and indoor air quality. In addition, engineers work with medical professionals to find innovative ways to assist the human respiratory system when its functions fail due to various factors, including damage because of poor air input to the lungs. To create good solutions to problems, engineers create prototypes of new designs, which they test and improve many times.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how the air in the lungs and chest cavity changes according to air intake and diaphragm movement, and how this is impacted by polluted air.
- Develop a prototype air filter to be worn over the nose and mouth.
- Describe engineers' roles in the function and/or maintenance of the respiratory system and the air that it takes in.