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Mystery of the Senses -- Hearing

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. Assign students to research an aspect of living with deafness, such as the founding of educational programs for deaf students, the development of American Sign Language, TTY machines, and the creation of and controversy about cochlear implants. As students watch the program, ask them to write down circumstances that contribute to people's hearing loss and how it affects their lives.

2. To raise students' awareness of hearing in their daily lives, ask them how they would engage in the following activities if they couldn't hear: talking on the phone, attending parties, watching TV, shopping, and riding public transportation. Ask them to keep a diary for two days of the activities in which they use hearing and speaking, then ask them to write how they would do the same activities if they couldn't hear.

3. Ask students what movies they've seen recently. Discuss the types of music that were used in those movies. What type of music lets a viewer know that something bad is going to happen? What kind of music lets a viewer know that something sad is happening? What emotional effects can be created by playing no music during part of a movie soundtrack? As they watch the program, tell students to note how music is used in each scene.

After Watching

1. To show students how sound waves produce movement, gather together a coffee can with both ends removed; a latex balloon; a rubber band; a four-inch speaker connected to a cassette player or to an amplifier and microphone; and coffee cream powder. Over one end of the coffee can, stretch the balloon tightly and secure it with a rubber band. Place the can on the speaker and spread a tablespoon of powder evenly on top of the rubber membrane. Play single, sustained sounds through the cassette player (students with musical instruments can do this), or sing sustained vowel sounds into the microphone. Adjust the volume and pitch until geometric forms appear in the powder. Compare the shapes formed by the vibrations made by various instruments.