Page 453 - Microsoft Word - LessonPlan-Overview.doc

Unit 19: Biology Part 2 Page 108 of 137

2. Hold a pen slightly above the table and drop it. Observe any
reactions from other people.
3. Wait a minute or two so you aren’t too obvious, then drop another
object, like a set of keys. Again, look for reactions.
4. Drop a few more things, and, for the last thing, drop several coins.

What’s Happening: You probably got much more of a reaction from the
dropped coins than from the other objects. The reason. People care about
money… not so much about pens and keys. Our brain filters out the sounds
we don’t find important. This is a good thing, because we are bombarded
with sounds every day. The problem is that since your brain decides what’s
important, you don’t get to completely control. So, if you decide you are
going to watch TV while doing schoolwork, this probably won’t work, unless
you choose a TV show you don’t find interesting (and if that was the case,

why would you watch it in the first place.) Some people do find it helpful to
listen to quiet music while working, and are able to tune this out enough to
focus on the work.

Experiment: Go For a Spin

Your ears do more than just help you hear. They are also very important for

your balance. Inside your ear are liquid-filled tubes called semicircular
canals. As your body moves, the liquid in the semicircular canals moves too.
But what about when you stop? Let’s find out.

Materials:

 Office chair

 Adult

1. Sit on an office chair that spins.
2. Have an adult spin you quickly on the chair. Hold on to the handles

and be careful!
3. Have the adult suddenly stop the chair, and observe how you feel.

What’s Happening: Did you feel as though you were still moving? Part of
you was. Although your body stopped, the fluid in your semicircular canals
kept on going for a little while. As long as the fluid kept move, your brain
was giving the message that you were moving, and it felt that way.

© 2011 Supercharged Science www.ScienceLearningSpace.com

855