The Five Senses: An Overview (Part 4)

What You'll Learn

The five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—help us gather information about the world. Each sense relies on specialized organs and nerve cells called receptors.

Key Words

organ system
tissue
cell

Materials Needed

mirror
stethoscope (toy)
sponge
water
blindfold
cotton balls

Safety First

Keep small objects away from young children.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.
Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read about The Human Body and write down three key facts.

Step 2 — Do

Map your pulse: measure your heart rate at rest, after 1 minute of walking, and after 1 minute of jumping. Create a bar graph and explain the differences.

Step 3 — Observe

Observe what happens and describe it in detail.

Step 4 — Record

Record your observations in your science journal with measurements and descriptions.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

How many senses do humans have?