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Topic: Pulmonary System |
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Unit Overview—Targeting Variables with a Pom-Pom Shooter
Student Activity and Background Knowledge
Keywords
pom-pom shooter, distance, restriction, obstruction, peak expiratory flow, PEF, pulmonary disorder
Intended Grade Level: 5
Key Concepts
conceptual modeling, structure and function, force and motion, change, systems, pulmonary health and disease
Process Skills Utilized
laboratory investigations, analyzing data, scientific inquiry, critical thinking (limitations of models), demonstration, observing and measuring, constructing graphs, inferring, evaluating
Activity Description
A Pom-Pom Shooter is an easy, entertaining tool your students can use to test variables while learning about lung function. Made of PVC pipe, the Pom-Pom Shooters have different mouthpieces to represent different levels of pulmonary restrictions. The different mouthpieces become variables in this experiment. Students simply place a small pom-pom into the mouthpiece, and blow as hard as possible with one breath. This simulates the way a doctor would measure peak expiratory flow, commonly known as exhaling, in a patient with breathing difficulties. The instrument used by doctors for this purpose is called a High Peak Expiratory Flow Meter.
Students will work in teams during this investigation as they assume specific roles (Measure Master, Materials Master, Reader, Data Recorder, Time Keeper and, if needed, an Encourager). Both Group Task Cards and Station Instruction Cards are provided for each of the four stations and should be laminated for frequent use. Groups will collect data using mouthpieces with different restrictions (variables). Following the directions provided on the task cards, students will take metric measurements and record data. The data will be used to contribute to a class data set and used for a graphing activity.
Note: If any group should have five students rather than four, add the Encourager role so all students play a specific role. At the teacher’s discretion the job assignments may stay the same or rotate between students from one station to another.
CAUTION: Students with asthma or other respiratory problems should NOT assume the role of Pom-Pom Shooter in this activity because of repeated maximal inhalations and exhalations. Use of a breathing restriction mouthpiece which could leave the students short of breath or, possibly, trigger an asthmatic episode. These students can assume the roles of Measure Master, Reader, Data Recorder, Time Keeper, or Encourager.
Objectives
Students will implement a simple experiment to learn about testing variables while furthering their knowledge of pulmonary health.
Using a PVC pom-pom shooter and restriction adapters, students will be able to:
Activity Management Suggestions
Advance Preparation Required: Teachers should make the Pom-Pom Shooters before starting this lesson. Stations should be set up before starting the lesson.
Laminate the Station Cards so they can be used again.
Activity References Used
Johns, D. P. & Pierce, R. (2003) Pocket Guide to Spirometry. San Francisco:
McGraw Hill.
Medline Plus from the National Institutes of Health
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/emphysema.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tuberculosis.html
National Cancer Institute Website
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/lung
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/
Peak Expiratory flow Rate Normal Values
http://www.peakflow.com/top_nav/normal_values/index.html
Possible sources for supplies for this activity:
Disposable mouthpieces available at:
https://www.chponline.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=4
Nose clips.
Purchase in stock for reuse. Call number #39290.
http://www.futuremedamerica.com/
Vernier website
http://www.vernier.com/physiology/
