Expose Your Nose

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In this simple exploratory activity (1st activity on the page), blindfolded learners try to identify mystery items by smell. Learners also rate the odor (strong, pleasant, neutral) as well as recall any memories associated with the smell. This activity page includes a link to background information about the sense of smell.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Smells: lemon, orange peel, cedar wood, perfume, banana, pine, etc.
  • Plastic containers
  • Blindfold (or punch holes in the top of the containers)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Smell
  • Mathematics
    • Reasoning and Proof
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • smell

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Chudler, Ph.D., Eric H.

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Eric H. Chudler, 2009