The Nose Knows!

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In this activity on page 9 of the PDF, learners test how flavoring extracts move through the walls of a balloon. Learners discover that the extracts' motion is similar to the way that oxygen and nutrients move through the walls of your capillaries. Learners discover that the walls of capillaries have holes that are too small to see.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 3 small rubber balloons (same size)
  • Permanent marking pen
  • 3 disposable plastic cups (3 oz.)
  • 3 droppers
  • 3 different flavoring extracts (vanilla, peppermint, and orange extracts work well)
  • Balloon pump (optional)
  • Blunt-end scissors for adult partner (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Human Body
      • Circulation
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Smell
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • smell
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Office of Community Activities, American Chemical Society

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemical Society, 2004