Teaching From the Senses
By: Kane, Krissi, and
Adrian
Contents
The Sense of Smell.............................................................................. 4
Basic Sense of Smell Overview ........................................................... 4
Why?................................................................................................... 4
How! ................................................................................................... 4
Picture of Parts of the Reason Sense Works ...................................... 5
Sense and Memory ............................................................................. 5
Memory .............................................................................................. 6
Examples............................................................................................. 6
Interesting Facts about Sense ............................................................ 6
How do smell and taste work together? ............................................ 7
Smell Disorders ................................................................................... 9
How common are smell disorders? .................................................... 9
What are the smell disorders? ........................................................... 9
What causes smell disorders? ............................................................ 9
How are smell disorders diagnosed?................................................ 10
Are smell disorders serious?............................................................. 11
Can smell disorders be treated?....................................................... 11
Animal with best sense of smell!...................................................... 12
References ........................................................................................ 15
The Sense Of Sight ............................................................................ 15
What are different structures of the eye? ....................................... 15
Cornea: ............................................................................................. 16
Iris: .................................................................................................... 17
Lens:.................................................................................................. 18
Optic Nerve:...................................................................................... 19
Pupil: ................................................................................................. 20
Retina: .............................................................................................. 21
Sclera: ............................................................................................... 22
What are some common eye problems? ......................................... 23
pink eye: ........................................................................................... 23
corneal abrasion: .............................................................................. 25
black eye: .......................................................................................... 26
Touch ................................................................................................ 27
Rough Objects .................................................................................. 28
Smooth ............................................................................................. 29
Furry ................................................................................................. 31
Bumpy or miss-shaped objects......................................................... 33
Dangerous Items............................................................................... 35
The Sense of Smell
Basic Sense of Smell Overview
Why?
Have you ever wondered what you smell when you
"smell the roses" in the spring time? What makes a smell
is something that is too small to see with your eyeball
alone. It is even too small to be seen with a microscope!
What you smell are tiny things called odor particles.
Millions of them are floating around waiting to be sniffed
by your nose!
How!
You smell these odors through your nose which is almost
like a huge cave built to smell, moisten, and filter the air
you breathe. As you breathe in, the air enters through
your nostrils which contain tiny little hairs that filter all
kinds of things trying to enter your nose, even bugs!
These little hairs are called cilia and you can pretend that
they sweep all the dirt out of the nasal cavity, which is the
big place the air, passes through on its way to the lungs.
After passing through the nasal cavity, the air passes
through a thick layer of mucous to the olfactory bulb.
There the smells are recognized because each smell
molecule fits into a nerve cell like a lock and key. Then
the cells send signals along your olfactory nerve to the
brain. At the brain, they are interpreted as those sweet
smelling flowers or that moldy cheese.
Picture of Parts of the Reason Sense Works
Sense and Memory
Memory
Our sense of smell is connected really well to our memory. For
instance, the smell of popcorn can remind you of being at the
movies with a friend or the smell of tar can remind you of riding
in a car to the beach.
Examples
Humans have seven primary odors that help them determine
objects. Listed below are the seven odors.
Odor Example
Camphoric Mothballs
Musky Perfume/Aftershave
Roses Floral
Pepperminty Mint Gum
Etheral Dry Cleaning Fluid
Pungent Vinegar
Putrid Rotten Eggs
Interesting Facts about Sense
Dogs have 1 million smell cells per nostril and their
smell cells are 100 times larger than humans!
Humans use insect warning chemicals, called
pheromones, to keep away pesky insects!
People who cannot smell have a condition called
Anosmia.
If your nose is at its best, you can tell the difference
between 4000-10,000 smells!
As you get older, your sense of smell gets worse.
Children are more likely to have better senses of smell
than their parents or grandparents.
How do smell and taste work together?
Smell and taste belong to our chemical sensing system
(chemosensation). The complicated process of smelling
and tasting begins when molecules released by the
substances around us stimulate special nerve cells in the
nose, mouth, or throat. These cells transmit messages to
the brain, where specific smells or tastes are identified.
1. Olfactory (smell nerve) cells are stimulated by the
odors around us—the fragrance from a rose, the
smell of bread baking. These nerve cells are found
in a tiny patch of tissue high up in the nose, and
they connect directly to the brain.
2. Gustatory (taste nerve) cells are clustered in the
taste buds of the mouth and throat. They react to
food or drink mixed with saliva. Many of the small
bumps that can be seen on the tongue contain
taste buds. These surface cells send taste
information to nearby nerve fibers, which send
messages to the brain.
Our body’s ability to sense chemicals is another
chemosensory mechanism that contributes to our senses
of smell and taste. In this system, thousands of free
nerve endings—especially on the moist surfaces of the
eyes, nose, mouth, and throat—identify sensations like
the sting of ammonia, the coolness of menthol, and the
―heat‖ of chili peppers.
Smell Disorders
How common are smell disorders?
Our sense of smell helps us enjoy life. We delight in the
aromas of our favorite foods or the fragrance of flowers. Our
sense of smell also is a warning system, alerting us to danger
signals such as a gas leak, spoiled food, or a fire. Any loss in
our sense of smell can have a negative effect on our quality of
life. It also can be a sign of more serious health problems.
Roughly 1–2 percent of people in North America say that they
have a smell disorder. Problems with smell increase as people
get older, and they are more common in men than women. In
one study, nearly one-quarter of men ages 60–69 had a smell
disorder, while about 11 percent of women in that age range
reported a problem.
Many people who have smell disorders also notice problems
with their sense of taste. To learn more about your sense of
taste, read the NIDCD fact sheet Taste Disorders.
What are the smell disorders?
People who experience smell disorders either have a loss in
their ability to smell or changes in the way they perceive odors.
Hyposmia is a reduced ability to detect odors. Anosmia is the
inability to detect odors at all. People who experience changes
in how they sense odors may notice that familiar odors are
distorted or that something that normally smells pleasant now
smells foul. Other people may sense an odor that isn't present
at all.
What causes smell disorders?
Smell disorders have many causes, with some more obvious
than others. Most people who develop a smell disorder have
experienced a recent illness or injury. Common causes of
smell disorders are:
1. Sinus and other upper respiratory infections
2. Polyps in the nasal cavities
3. Frontal head injuries
4. Hormonal disturbances
5. Dental problems
6. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides
and solvents
7. Numerous medications, including some common
antibiotics and antihistamines
8. Radiation associated with the treatment of head and
neck cancers
9. Aging
10. Other health issues that affect the nervous system,
such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease
In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned
consumers to stop using several popular cold remedies
because they could result in the loss of smell. Smoking also
can interfere with our sense of smell.
How are smell disorders diagnosed?
Both smell and taste disorders are treated by an
otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the
ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Some tests are designed to
measure the smallest amount of odor that patients can detect.
Another common test consists of a booklet of sheets that
contain tiny beads filled with specific odors. Patients are asked
to scratch each sheet and identify the odor.
An accurate assessment of your smell disorder will include,
among other things, a physical examination of your ears, nose,
and throat; a review of your health history, such as exposure
to toxic chemicals or trauma; and a smell test supervised by a
health care professional.
Are smell disorders serious?
Like all of our senses, our sense of smell plays an
important part in our lives. The sense of smell often
serves as a first warning signal, alerting us to the smoke
of a fire, spoiled food, or the odor of a natural gas leak or
dangerous fumes.
When smell is impaired, some people change their eating
habits. Some may eat too little and lose weight while
others may eat too much and gain weight. Food becomes
less enjoyable and people may use too much salt to
improve the taste. This can be a problem for people with
certain medical conditions, such high blood pressure or
kidney disease. In severe cases, loss of smell can lead to
depression.
Problems with our chemical senses may be a sign of
other serious health conditions. A smell disorder can be
an early sign of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s
disease, or multiple sclerosis. It can also accompany or
be a sign of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and
malnutrition. If you are experiencing a smell disorder, talk
with your physician.
Can smell disorders be treated?
Many types of smell disorders are curable, and for those
that are not, counseling is available to help people adjust
to the problem.
Diagnosis by a doctor is important to identify and treat
the underlying cause of a potential smell disorder. If your
problem is caused by certain medications, talk to your
doctor to see if lowering the dosage or changing that
medicine may reduce its effect on your sense of smell.
Surgery to remove nasal obstructions such as polyps can
restore airflow. Some people recover their ability to smell
when the illness causing their olfactory problem is
resolved. Occasionally, a person may recover his or her
sense of smell spontaneously.
Animal with best sense of smell!
The bear
A bear’s brain is a third of the size of ours, yet the part
devoted to smell is five times larger. They possess big noses
and the inside surfaces of their nostrils are enlarged with folds
that make room for thousands of smell receptors. Their sense
of smell is certainly better than a bloodhound’s and, quite
possibly, is the best of any land animal.
References
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smelltaste/smell.htm
l
http://library.thinkquest.org/3750/smell/smell.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olfaction
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/smellTaste.c
fm
The Sense Of Sight
What are different
structures of the eye?
The Cornea, Iris, Lens,
Optic Nerve, Pupil, Retina,
and Sclera.
Cornea:
a clear, transparent portion of the
outer coat of the eyeball through
which light passes to the lens.
Iris:
This is the colored part of the eye.
Colors ranging from brown to green to
blue, etc. It is a ring of muscle fibers
located behind the cornea and in front of
the lens. It contracts and expands,
opening and closing the pupil, in
response to the brightness of
surrounding light. The iris of the eye
helps protect the sensitive retina.
Lens:
transparent body situated
behind the iris in the eye; its
role (along with the cornea) is
to focuses light on the retina.
Optic Nerve:
transmits visual information
from the retina to the brain.
Pupil:
Round, dark centre of the eye -
opens and closes to regulate the
amount of light the retina
receives.
Retina:
thin layer of cells at the back of
the eyeball where light is
converted into neural signals sent
to the brain.
Sclera:
The white part of the eye that
is a tough coating that covers
and protects the inner
structures of the eye.
What are some common eye problems?
pink eye:redness, itching and discharge coming from
the whites of the eyes resulting from an
inflammation or infection.
which is a scrape of the outer surface
corneal abrasion:
of the eye, usually is painful but not severe.
black eye: Mild blunt injuries sometimes only result in
bleeding of the eyelids, or a black eye.
THE SENSE OF TOUCH
Touch
Touch is part of our five senses. Being able to touch allows us to
distinguish and tell the difference between objects and many other
more material. Touch is the ability to use your any part of your
body to sense and feel anything.
Examples of items that we touch:
People
Food
Earthly items
Water
School supplies and etc.
Rough Objects
This object is under this category because rocks are very rough at
times. Sometimes they can be smooth but most rocks hurt if you
step on them.
This item is placed under this category because if you touch a
rubber glove, it feels very tight and you cannot move your hands
through it at all. It feels very rough and it’s meant to grab objects
that are slippery.
This object belongs in this category because these gloves are
specifically meant for outside work and rock and all. They are very
rough and it helps to keep your hands smooth. Even the inside of
the gloves seem very hard and unpleasant
This object is one of the greatest examples of a rough object. Trees
are very rough and have a rough bark and all. It’s also very bumpy
and has many curves to it. Wood can cut you as well.
Smooth
This baby belongs in this category because his skin is so soft and
smooth. If you touch it, you’ll be able to feel how fine and gently it
is.
These silks belong in this category because they are so bland and
sleek. If you touch it against your skin, you will feel how slippery it
is against you and all.
This table belongs in this category because it too is very soft and
plane. You can slide a glass across the table and it will make it all
the way to the other side because it is that glossy and flat and all
.
The volleyball belongs in this category because it feels like someone
just shaved their face. It is that soft and unruffled.
Furry
The puppy belongs in this category because his soft and furry hair is
so comforting and cuddling. You would just want to cuddle with
this puppy. It feels amazing to the skin.
The sheep also belongs in this category because it too has a furry
coat. The difference between this sheep and the puppy is that the
sheep has more of a curly furry feel and the puppy has a short coat
that’s furry. Wool is made out of this sheep’s coat and many jackets
as well.
The slippers belong in this category because they feel so wooly and
thick. Your feet will feel so warm and leafy that you won’t want to
take them off.
Lastly, but certainly not least, the teddy bear. Everybody first word
that come out of their mouth when someone mentions furry, it’s
teddy bear. They are so fluffy and wiry that you cannot just not hug
them. They are hairy at times too but for the most part they are
stuffy and fluffy.
Bumpy or miss-shaped objects
This picture belongs in this section because if you take a closer look
at the road it is very wavy and unsteady. It is very rugged and
uneven.
This picture belongs in this section because if you look at the top of
the Legos, you can see those circular bumps on it. They are not very
smooth and they are shaped differently than the bottom half of the
pieces. Another words they are very knobby and lumpy.
This picture belongs in this section because the edges of the cliff are
very sharp and have different shapes to it. It is also very rutted and
rough.
These tires belong in this section because of two reasons. First
reason is that if you were to feel the top of the tires, you will feel
that it’s very lumpy, choppy, and rough. Secondly, each bump on it
has a unique shape to it. When you ride in a car, if your tires are
bran new, then you will feel the rugged feel of the ride because the
tires are new, if they are old, then you would not be able to fit them
and that might be a problem during the winter.
Dangerous Items
This picture belongs in this section because it is very dangerous and
it’s one of the main things that students should not touch. It is very
deadly and precarious. The temperatures can get really hot and can
cause your skin to burn. So anything that involves fire, students
should stand far enough away from it.
This picture belongs here because it too is very harmful as well. It is
very sharp and should be out of reach of students especially the
younger ones. This knife is very peril and can cause so much
damage. Even butter knives are very dangerous and should not be
really allowed to touch.
This item belongs in this section because it is broken glass. Glass
can really harm students and it is very easy to get cut from it. They
are very small pieces and when they are clear it is very difficult to
see. Be aware and make sure you wear shoes when dealing with
broken glass. But overall, glass is very dangerous and you have to
be careful and safe.
This item belongs in this section because it is a stove. Many
students and kids do not have the understanding that sometimes
the top of the stoves can be really hot and heated. They just place
their hands on the stove and eventually end up burning their little
hands. Students and kids should not be near stoves without
parental supervision.