May 23- 27, 2016
Lung Power!
We released a lot of hot air in Nutrition Expedition this week! First, the children learned how our lungs function as they observed a model of a lung at work. We then worked on making our own set of lungs to bring home. We sure have used a lot of oxygen the last few weeks! Next month, we'll be studying the digestive system, which is sure to be very intriguing :)
As we recapped what we've discovered about the respiratory system, I brought in a model I made to show them how our lungs work. Using a 20 oz. pop bottle (a 2 L bottle would also work), I drilled a hole in the cap and inserted a straw with a balloon attached to the end (this was to represent a lung). I then cut off the bottom portion of the bottle, and covered it with another balloon (diaphragm). As you pull on the "diaphragm", the "lung" inflates, and it deflates as you push on the diaphragm.
The 3's and 4's were very excited to make their own lungs! They were given two paper bags or "lungs", on which they were instructed to draw branches, or bronchioles. They used bingo markers to make the alveolis. Teachers assisted them with attaching a straw to the top of each bag (twist the bag closed around the straw, then tape it), and taping the two straws together to form the trachea. Viola! A replica of the human lungs! They really enjoyed making the lungs inhale and exhale :)
The older infants, toddlers, and 2's got to spend some time outside practicing their lung capacity by blowing bubbles and pinwheels!
The older infants, toddlers, and 2's got to spend some time outside practicing their lung capacity by blowing bubbles and pinwheels!
Super Sleuth Questions
1. What did you make in Nutrition Expedition? (answer: lungs)
2. What is the muscle in your tummy that helps your lungs breathe air in and out? (answer: diaphragm)
