A simple way to do a simulation of how the ear drum works.

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 5 minutes

1. Gather together plastic wrap, a metal spoon, a wide bowl, uncooked rice and a metal lid from a large pot.
2. Stretch the plastic wrap tightly over the opening of the bowl.
3. Place 20 grains of rice on the plastic wrap.
4. Hold the metal lid near the plastic wrap and hit the lid with a metal spoon.
5. The vibration from the lid should cause the rice to move.
   

1. The bowl and plastic wrap represent the ear drum.
2. The vibration from the lid represents sound waves that act on the ear drum.
3. The rice is merely a visual aid that allows you to see the effects of the vibration on the plastic wrap.
   

Related Features:

• Anatomy/Physiology