Abstract

The idea of using pig lungs to demonstrate the breathing mechanism (inhalation and exhalation) and the effect of smoking on pig lungs in science lessons was originated from two secondary teachers, Mr. L.K. Wong and Ms K.K. Chung. To put the idea into practice, it needs a transparent box to see the breathing action of the pig lungs under partial vacuum. Based on Wong and Chung's idea, Mr. S.W. Mak of the Science Department, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, has designed and built the transparent box and other accessories that can withstand the partial vacuum to make the idea successful. The apparatus has been tried out in real classroom practices in many secondary schools in Hong Kong with favourable outcomes. This article and the video clips, taken by Mr. S.W. Mak and Mr. W.K. Kwan, show the materials and procedures for making the vacuum box and the accessories. The worksheets, designed by Mr. L.K. Wong and Ms. K.K. Chung, are also included to illustrate how the idea can be implemented in class.