Touch: Your Skin's Sensors

What You'll Learn

The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects against germs, helps regulate body temperature, and contains nerve endings that detect touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.

Key Words

neuron
receptor
stimulus

Materials Needed

cotton balls
cups
different scented items

Safety First

Use materials only as directed in the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Study the diagram and label the parts you recognize.

Step 2 — Do

Test your peripheral vision: stare straight ahead while a partner slowly moves a colored card from behind your head to the front. Record when you first see the color.

Step 3 — Observe

Draw a detailed diagram of what you observe.

Step 4 — Record

Write a conclusion: what did your results show? Did they match your prediction?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What does the brain do?