An Introduction to the Senses

Objectives:

Primary students will identify body parts associated with the five senses. They will name the five senses. They will perform simple experiments involving the senses.

Subject Matter:

An Introduction to the Senses

Instructional Materials:

Several empty 35 mm film canisters, baby powder, lemon, jar of dill pickles, cinnamon, peppermint oil, chocolate, unpopped popcorn, salt, air popper, fresh dill weed, fresh mint leaves, small fabric samples of various textures, sheets of various grades of sand paper

Strategies:

Begin by making air popped popcorn for the students. Discuss all the ways in which they were able to now that popcorn was popping. Allow students to eat some popcorn and continue discussion. Divide students into groups of four or five. Distribute numbered film canisters containing lemon, dill pickle, cinnamon, peppermint, chocolate, and baby powder. Students will discriminate between the six smells and write the appropriate number next to each on a list. After students have completed the smelling activity, allow them to see what was in the six canisters. Give students the opportunity to see fresh dill weed and mint. Distribute each film canister containing salt or popcorn kernels. Students will shake the canisters and be able to distinguish between the two sounds. A student will walk around the room shaking the canister. Students cover their eyes and point to where the sound is coming from. Students repeat the activity covering one ear at a time. Students will be given the opportunity to taste either a piece of chocolate or a dill pickle. They will be asked to try to determine where on the tongue the taste buds are located for the tasting of sweet and sour. After students conclude that sweet is tasted on the tip of the tongue, discuss the reason why we like ice cream cones and lollipops. Students should be led to discover that sour things are tasted on the sides of the tongue toward the front. With eyes closed or wearing blindfolds, students will be given pairs of circle shapes cut from various types of fabric and various grades of sandpaper. Students will attempt to match two like circles.

Evaluation:

Students will point to their body parts that are associated with each of the five senses. Students will draw a head and a hand print and label the sense of touch, taste, sight, smell, and vision on the drawing.

Assignment:

On the sheet of paper, let them draw a picture of human body and write the functions of each body parts.