Bend It, Break It
Source Institutions
-
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
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In this activity (on pages 25-32 of PDF), learners make models of the inner ear out of pipe cleaners. They learn about how tiny hairs pick up vibrations from our ear, and how damage to these hairs results in permanent hearing loss. The lesson plan includes images of actual ear cilia, both healthy and damaged. There is also information about the three effective ways to prevent hearing loss: turn it down, move away, or protect your ears.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Pipe cleaners (chenille stems) – 12” (4 or 6 mm)
- Picture of the ear showing the location of the hair cells of the inner ear (Appendix C, page 49 in PDF)
- Picture of healthy and damaged hair bundles (Appendix D, pages 51-53 in PDF)
- Music source – radio, speakers on computer, etc.
- Pencils and paper for students to draw pictures of what they see
Subjects
- Life Sciences
- Human Body
- Health and Nutrition
- Human Senses and Perception
- Hearing
- Human Body
- Physical Sciences
- Vibration and Waves
- Sound
- Vibration and Waves
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- hear
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, OMSI, ©2010
Funding Source:
- National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources, "Science Education Partnerships Award", R25 RR15634
