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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Popping ears

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=211

A lesson plan for grade 7 Science

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science


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In this Science Update, students explore why human ears pop. David Eisenman, an ear specialist explains that it is caused by ear’s adjustment to the change in air pressure. The popping sensation occurs when air suddenly rushes in or out of the eustachian tube in the middle ear. This activity also teaches students about the essential parts of the ear. Science NetLinks provides as link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in a discussion about the structure and function of the human ear. This activity also contains links to a detailed tour of the ear from How Stuff Works and the Physics Classroom website.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 7

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
    • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
      • Communicate findings.
      • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
      • Research.
      • Gather and analyze data.
      • Visualize data.
      • Disseminate findings to others.
    • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
      • Scientific text.
      • Articles.
      • Events in the popular press.
  • Goal 4: The learner will conduct investigations, use models, simulations, and appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the complementary nature of the human body system.
    • Objective 4.04: Evaluate how systems in the human body help regulate the internal environment.
    • Objective 4.05: Analyze how an imbalance in homeostasis may result from a disruption in any human system.