Do your kids ever wonder what is going on inside their bodies?
If your kid is like mine, then the answer is yes. I'm a mother that has emotional and mental disorders with two kids that are "unique" in their own ways. I always encourage them to explore and ask a TON of questions. I honestly do not hide any facts from them. I feel, if I am honest with them, then they will have a good role model and be honest also. I do not go into technical terms for a lot of things but I do make it kid-friendly.
I love to recycle, have fun with crafts and teach; so, this falls into all categories.
What you need:
- a 20 oz plastic bottle
- 2 large balloons (I prefer latex free)
- scissors
- tape
- straw
- clay
- Have an adult cut off the bottom of the bottle.
- Snip the neck from the balloon and stretch it onto the bottom of the bottle.
- Snip the rolled edge from another balloon and tape this balloon to the end of a straw. Then place the straw with the balloon on it into the top of the bottle.
- Secure the straw and seal the top of the bottle with the clay.
Basically, this shows how the diaphragm (balloon) helps to expand the chest expand and the lungs get the air in and out of our bodies. I like to have the kids take in a breath at the same time I have them pull the bottom balloon down to "expand" and full the "lung" inside the bottle. The, as they exhale/let out their breath, I have them push in on the balloon to watch the inner balloon deflate and the outer balloon relax. The same thing their body is doing is what they are mechanically making the bottle and balloon do.
Now, not only did you have fun creating this and recycling that Pepsi bottle; but you just did an art, science and health lesson all at the same time.
Who says you can't have fun while learning new things??