How can you use balloons to show how muscles works? - Investigation instructions

Using balloons to demonstrate muscle function can be an engaging and visual way to understand the basics of human anatomy. In groups of four, students are encouraged to investigate this concept by using balloons alongside any other resources they find helpful. The process begins with a thorough discussion within the group to brainstorm initial ideas on how to represent muscles with balloons. This conversation is an essential step to ensure a collective understanding and to generate creative solutions.

Once the group has recorded their first ideas, they should test and observe their balloon model to see if it effectively illustrates how muscles work. During this phase, it's crucial to consider whether the initial ideas need refinement based on the practical outcomes. After making any necessary adjustments and finalizing their model, the group should reflect on the results, discussing their satisfaction with the outcome and contemplating what they might do differently in a subsequent attempt. The final task is to write up the investigation, detailing the process, findings, and conclusions drawn from using balloons to model muscle function. This write-up should also explore the broader questions of why humans have skeletons and muscles and delve into the mechanics of how muscles operate within the body.