Evidence-based curriculum for ages 2-8

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STEM Activity for Kids: Exploring the Human Lungs


Learning about the human body is even more exciting with hands-on STEM activities! Our Exploring the Human Lungs activity gives kids a fun and interactive way to understand how our lungs work as part of the respiratory system. With just a few simple materials, kids can build their own lung model and see how we breathe in and out.

What You’ll Need for the Exploring the Lungs Activity:

  • Small balloons
  • A large balloon
  • Plastic cup
  • Straws
  • Black permanent marker
  • Tape
  • Construction paper
  • Scissors

Instructions for Making This STEM Activity

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Collect all of your materials and set up a clean workspace, which will allow you to create your “lungs” more efficiently.

Supplies needed for a STEM science activity all about the lungs.

Step 2: Draw a Small Rectangle on the Cup

A plastic cup with a rectangle drawn on the bottom in black magic marker, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Use the permanent marker to draw a small rectangle on the bottom of the plastic cup.

Step 3: Cut Out the Rectangle

Carefully cut out the rectangle with a scissors. Be sure to supervise children during this step or have an adult do the cutting to ensure safety.

Cutting a rectangle our of the bottom of a plastic cup, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Step 4: Cut the Straws

Cutting a pink straw in half, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Take two straws and cut off about one-third of their length, including the bendy part. These shorter straws will serve as the “bronchi” in your lung model.

Step 5: Cut Tops Off the Small Balloons

Carefully cut the tops off of both small balloons and discard them. The trimmed small balloons will represent the lungs.

Cutting the top off a of a yellow balloon, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Step 6: Tape Balloons

Taping a balloon to the end of a straw, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Insert the end of one straw into a small balloon and tape it securely around the opening to seal it. Repeat for the second straw and balloon.

Step 7: Tape the Straws Together

Tape the two straws together at the top, ensuring they are aligned side by side. This setup mimics the bronchi leading to the lungs.

Place the taped straws with the attached balloons through the top of the cup, with the ends of the straws poking up through the hole and the balloons staying inside the cup.

Taping two straws that have small balloons on the end together, for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Step 8: Cut Large Balloon

Cutting the top off a a large white balloon, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Cut off the top of the large balloon, leaving the main body of the balloon intact. This piece will act as the diaphragm in your model, which is essential for breathing.

Step 9: Place Large Balloon Over Cup

Stretch the large balloon over the cup’s opening, covering it completely. This should fit snugly. If needed, secure the balloon with rubber bands or tape to keep it in place.

Stretching the top of a white balloon over the top of a plastic cup, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Step 10: Seal Gaps

Taping over any gaps in the bottom of a plastic cup that has two straws with balloons on the end coming out of it, as well as other supplies for a STEM Science project for young kids.

Check for any gaps where the large balloon meets the cup and where the straws exit the cup. Use tape to seal these gaps to ensure the model works effectively.

Step 11: Inflate the Lungs

Gently pull down on the large balloon at the bottom (the diaphragm) to watch the small balloons inflate, just like lungs filling with air!

Inflating the pretend lungs in a DIY STEM Science project for young kids.

Bonus Step: Decorate your Project

Exploring the human body learning about lungs with a DIY STEM science project for kids.

Make your lung model even more interesting by adding decorations. Draw a rib cage onto the plastic cup or attach a skeleton head for a spooky anatomical twist.

The Educational Twist:

This activity offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the respiratory system. Discuss how the lungs work with the diaphragm to pull air into the body and how oxygen is distributed to the bloodstream. It’s a simple yet powerful way to explain the vital role of the lungs in our health.

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