Explore How Lung Infection Influences Breathing

Introduction

Have you ever coughed, felt short of breath because you were sick, or felt it was hard work to take a breath? Maybe you have watched someone gasping for air. At times, these events can feel scary! This activity explores how mucus and fluid in the lungs or airways changes our breathing using a simple lung model. It can help you understand why symptoms like coughing and being short of breath happen.

Credits

Materials

• Gelatin powder; if not available, use jelly
• Corn syrup
• Disposable empty transparent bottle (10-16 fluid ounces) made of hard plastic (such as a sports drink bottle)
• Two balloons (8-inch balloons work well)
• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Adult helper
• Tools to prepare gelatin:
  • Saucepan
  • Water
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Small bowl
• Optional: A second bottle and two more balloons to make a second identical lung model