Lung Capacity
Equipment:​​
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Balloons (7 or 9 inch)
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Piece of string
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Rulers
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Calculator
Activity (recommended to do in pairs):
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Stretch out the balloon and blow it up a few times to loose the stiffness on the balloon. Why do this? So the stretchier the balloon, the more accurate are your results!
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Breathe in & out - Inhale and exhale a few times in a combination of deep to normal breaths. Why do this? You have just stretched the balloom. your lungs need a bit of a workout before you begin.
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Take the balloon in your hand and breathe in the maximum amount of air you can and blow into the balloon as much and as fast as you can. Don't let the air escape the balloon! (NOTE: If you suffer from respiratory issues, do not try this!)
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Find the widest part on the blown up balloon, discuss with your friend what part of the balloon is the widest.
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Once you decide, with a piece of string measure this width by wrapping it around the widest part once. Stretch this string on the meter stick to measure the circumference of the balloon.
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Note this observation down in your notebook and repeat this experiment 3 times.
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Using all the observations, calculate the average value and use this circumference to find out the radius of the balloon and then the total volume of air your lungs can hold! Use our calculator to do this - link on top of the page.
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Report your volume of the balloon to your teacher.
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If you have not done it already, repeat this experiment by swapping the role with your partner.
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Who has the maximum lung capacity among all? If not you, do you think you can beat this record?
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Give it a go!
Know the science behind it
What is your lung capacity?
Lung capacity is the volume of air you can move in and out of your lungs. The amount of air your lungs can hold up varies depending on your breathing patterns. For example, when you take a deep breath and exhale - this is the maximum amount of air your lungs can hold up. On contrary, when you find it difficult to catch your breath, your lungs store the least amount of air. This is when you re-instate your lung capacity by taking a few deep breaths! Why do you think that helps?
What has the balloon go to do with it all?
When you take a deep breath, blow into the balloon and hold you transfer all the air in stored your lungs into the balloon. Therefore, the volume of air in the balloon is a representative of the maximum amount of air your lungs can hold up. Can you think of other ways to measure your lung capacity? How do doctors measure your lung capacity?
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What can affect your lung capacity?
All work and no play can reduce your lung capacity! People with respiratory problems have a low lung capacity. Do you think being exposed to pollution can affect it too? Can you think of more?
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If you want to know more or tell us more,
start a discussion on seesaw blog!