The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
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We breathe in and out all the time. What’s in the air we breathe out from our lungs (exhale), and how is it different than the air we breathe in (inhale)? In this activity, learners test to see if carbon dioxide is present in the air we breathe in and out by using a detector made from red cabbage. Learners experiment by exposing the detector to air from a balloon filled by breath, a pump, or a carbon dioxide-producing mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos. Activity guide includes a “What’s going on?” explanation and connections to relevant science concept such as the composition of air we breathe, how alveoli in our lungs absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide, and the negative effects of smoking and air pollution on our lungs. Materials List:
DIY Human Body What's In Your Breath?PDF
Topics: Chemistry, Human Body
Grade Level: Grades 4 and up
Activity Type: Experiment/Lab Activity
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Activity Time: 30 minutes
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