How we hear is something many students do not understand. It is fun to have an “acting out the middle ear” lesson and discussion about this topic. Many schools have sound units for teaching about how we hear, the vibrations sounds make, and how the ear works. This PDF and PowerPoint are intended to supplement such learning. The PDF has children wear signs that are labeled for parts of the ear and they stand in a line, pass a message to the brain, and the brain “hears” the message. The children will all want a turn to be the brain and thereby realize the ear collects sounds, but the brain actually hears them. Some of the messages are funny!
Begin by printing the signs and then asking for volunteers. Certainly, someone wants to be the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum, hammer, and anvil. Oops, where is the hammer?
From the ear canal, then to the eardrum, then the hammer!
Continue asking for volunteers. Give the outer ear an envelope and have the children pass it down to the brain, wiggling as they pass it to resemble sound waves. Only the brain may open and read the message, as the brain interprets the sound waves the ear collects.
Wait! Everyone wants a turn to be the brain! Pass another message please.
All resources are free instant downloads
Acting Out How the Ear Hears PPT Lesson WorkPage PDF ( for PowerPoint and PDF)
PDF opens here, directions for the teacher
Thank you for reading, Carolyn
