We have been discussing air pressure in the last couple of weeks. Following our philosophy of learning without the constraints of subjects, we were exploring the human respiratory system and how air pressure difference due to muscle expansion and contraction allows us to breathe. 

While making the working model of the respiratory system, a 9-year old made the acute observation that we can also breathe in through the mouth, and wondered if the respiratory system worked in the same way irrespective of whether we used our nose or mouth for inhalation. If yes, why is breathing in through the mouth not advised? 

It is one of those questions that makes you pause for a second and realize how important it is to convey the full story behind a concept to the children. Explaining mouth-breathing to a Grade 4 child is something that I had definitely not imagined would happen… Highly satisfying when simple concepts lead to complex questions from curious minds….