Julie Franzak

ELED 305-42

6/14/2007

Science Area: Life Science-Biology

Science Misconception #3

Science Misconception:

Breathing and respiration are the same process.

Sketch: Breathing Respiration

Fact:

Respiration is cellular metabolism whereas breathing refers to inhalation and exhalation of air (ventilation).

Explanation:

Many elementary students have learned that lungs are part of the respiratory system so the confusion occurs because they cannot see the process of respiration.

Suggested Activity:

Create a model that will show the action of the diaphragm in human respiration. In order to do this you will need 2 pieces of straw, 2 small balloons, rubber cement, 1 large balloon, 2 small and 2 large rubber bands, a clear cup and tape. Take a piece of straw (~2inches long) and cut a triangle in the center (make sure you don’t go through the opposite side). Fit 1 small balloon over each end of the straw and secure them with a small rubber band. Bend the straw in the middle of the hole you cut. Take the second straw and cut a V-shape on the end; fit these slanted points of the straw into each into both of the semi-circle holes of the bent straw. Cement the two pieces of the straw together and allow to dry or use the tape to hold it together until it is dry. Cut a hole in the bottom of the clear plastic cup (use the diameter of the straw for size) and push the open end of the straw into the hole from the inside of the cup. Cement the straw into the hole. Then, take a large balloon and cut the neck off; carefully stretch the just cut balloon over the opening of the cup (do not crack the cup). Secure the edges with the large rubber bean but do Not cement the sides of the cup. Pull the bottom balloon gently and observe what happens to the small balloons.

Source:

“Misconceptions Research for Biology”. http://uconnscienceed.pbwiki.com/BiOlogy. Obtained on June 11, 2007.

Turner, Mona. “Respiratory System”. http://www.iit.edu/~smile/bi9515.html. Obtained on June 14, 2007.