Air Maze Master: A Lung Function Visualisation Lab

Problem Insight: Breathing Made Visible

Children often take breathing for granted. Yet few truly understand how lungs work—how air flows in, how pressure changes inside the chest, and how pollutants affect lung health. In an age where air quality is a growing concern, helping kids visualise their own respiratory system empowers awareness and health literacy.

This STEM activity transforms complex biology into a hands-on experience using simple household items, while linking science to real-world challenges like PM2.5 pollution and indoor air safety.

Theoretical Framework: What’s Happening in Our Lungs?

Our lungs don’t actively “pull” in air; instead, they respond to pressure changes. The diaphragm contracts, creating a vacuum that pulls air in. When relaxed, it pushes air out. This is called negative pressure breathing. Children who understand this can visualise the inner workings of their bodies—helping demystify breathing and health.

Pollutants like PM2.5 (particulate matter under 2.5 microns) can enter deep into the lungs, bypassing normal defences and causing inflammation or respiratory illness. Learning how the system works is the first step in protecting it.

Fun fact: At rest, the average adult breathes around 12–20 times per minute, while children breathe faster—making them more vulnerable to polluted air. Long-term exposure to poor air can affect growth and immunity.

Core Activities

Activity 1: DIY Negative Pressure Lung Simulator

Objective: Model lung expansion and contraction using simple air pressure.

Materials:

• 1 large transparent plastic bottle (2L)
• 2 balloons (same size)
• 1 straw
• Rubber band or tape
• 1 balloon (cut and stretched for diaphragm)

Instructions:

1. Cut the bottom off the bottle to create an open chamber.
2. Attach two balloons to the end of the straw with tape—these are your lungs.
3. Insert the straw into the neck of the bottle and seal it air-tight with a balloon or rubber stopper.
4. Stretch the cut balloon across the open bottom like a drum.
5. Push and pull the drum to see the balloons inflate and deflate.

What Kids Observe:

• Balloons (lungs) expand when the diaphragm moves down.
• They deflate as pressure changes when it moves up.
• Breathing depends on sealed pressure systems.

Discussion Prompts:

• What would happen if there was a hole in the bottle?
• Why do people struggle to breathe when air quality is poor?
• How does your diaphragm help your lungs move without touching them?

Educational Value: This model directly shows the power of air pressure and simulates how our body moves oxygen in and out—making biology hands-on and memorable.

Activity 2: PM2.5 Filter Comparison Test

Objective: Observe how different materials filter airborne particles.

Materials:

• 3 small identical fans
• Tissues, cotton pads, and HEPA fabric
• Tape, stopwatch, flashlight
• Soot or flour as pollutant

Instructions:

1. Tape each filter type over a fan intake.
2. Place all fans near a flour-dusted tray or smoky candle.
3. Run all fans for 3–5 minutes.
4. Shine a flashlight behind to see trapped particles.

Observation & Discussion:

• Which filter caught the most particles?
• Which would be safest for your lungs?
• Could a homemade filter help clean your bedroom air?

Extension Task: Try layering different filters. Does cotton + tissue work better than just one? Design your own mask or room filter using safe, everyday items.

Quick Variants

• Straw Lung Visualiser: Use two balloons and a straw in a cup to create a simplified lung function visual.
• Mask Filter Layer Test: Compare the breathability and effectiveness of cloth masks, paper towels, and coffee filters.
• Breath Rate Tracker: Use a stopwatch to measure how your breathing changes before and after a short run, showing how lungs respond to exercise.

Learning Reflection

These experiments show that lungs are pressure-driven and sensitive to their environment. Teaching children how their breathing system works fosters deeper care for their health, especially in cities or during seasonal pollution spikes.

Invite children to draw their own “super lung” system—complete with filters, glowing oxygen, and “bad guy” germs. Label parts and present it in class or online.

Real-World Link: In places like India and China, children often wear masks to school during high-smog days. How can your class create a healthy air checklist?

Health Habit Tie-In:

• Open windows daily when air is clean.
• Add houseplants like peace lilies or spider plants.
• Monitor air quality using apps.

Parent & Teacher Tips

• Encourage students to present their models in science fairs.
• Use a breathing rate chart to explore how age and activity affect lungs.
• Link to lessons on climate change, fire smoke, or asthma.

Share & Connect

Try this at home or in the classroom, and share photos or improvements on kids-activities.net. Every learner breathes differently—let’s help them understand it better.