Activity Overview
In order to understand how sound works and how we hear it, it's important for students to understand the different parts of the human ear. In this activity, students will label a diagram of the ear. Students should include the function of each part in their diagram. This activity can be made easier by getting students to label the ear with a given list of keywords like the ones highlighted in bold below.
Parts of the Human Ear
- The pinna is a flap of skin and cartilage that collects sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal.
- The ear canal is a tube that connects the pinna to the eardrum.
- The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear and the inner ear. Sound waves that travel down the ear canal make it vibrate.
- The auditory ossicles are small bones that carry vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea. They amplify the vibrations. The three bones are called the hammer, the anvil, and the stirrup. They are some of the smallest bones in the human body.
- The cochlea is a spiral-shaped chamber that is filled with liquid and lined with hairs. It converts the vibrations into electrical signals.
- The auditory nerve connects the cochlea to the brain. It carries the electrical signals to the brain.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Label a diagram of the structure of the human ear.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Navigate to the "Science" tab and find the ear diagram.
- Label the main parts of the ear with Textables and arrows.
- Add extra information about the functions of the parts of the ear with text boxes.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labels | All the labels are correct. | Most of the labels are correct. | Some of the labels are correct. |
| Functions | All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes. | Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
In order to understand how sound works and how we hear it, it's important for students to understand the different parts of the human ear. In this activity, students will label a diagram of the ear. Students should include the function of each part in their diagram. This activity can be made easier by getting students to label the ear with a given list of keywords like the ones highlighted in bold below.
Parts of the Human Ear
- The pinna is a flap of skin and cartilage that collects sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal.
- The ear canal is a tube that connects the pinna to the eardrum.
- The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear and the inner ear. Sound waves that travel down the ear canal make it vibrate.
- The auditory ossicles are small bones that carry vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea. They amplify the vibrations. The three bones are called the hammer, the anvil, and the stirrup. They are some of the smallest bones in the human body.
- The cochlea is a spiral-shaped chamber that is filled with liquid and lined with hairs. It converts the vibrations into electrical signals.
- The auditory nerve connects the cochlea to the brain. It carries the electrical signals to the brain.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Label a diagram of the structure of the human ear.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Navigate to the "Science" tab and find the ear diagram.
- Label the main parts of the ear with Textables and arrows.
- Add extra information about the functions of the parts of the ear with text boxes.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labels | All the labels are correct. | Most of the labels are correct. | Some of the labels are correct. |
| Functions | All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes. | Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Label the Structure of the Ear
Organize a hands-on ear model demonstration
Engage students by creating a simple ear model using everyday materials. This visual aid helps students see and touch each ear part, reinforcing their understanding of the ear’s structure and function.
Gather common classroom materials
Use items like plastic cups (pinna), paper tubes (ear canal), plastic wrap (eardrum), and small beads or buttons (ossicles) to represent each ear part. Everyday objects make the model accessible and relatable.
Guide students to assemble the ear model step by step
Instruct students to attach the cup to the tube, stretch plastic wrap over one end, and connect small objects behind it. Explain the role of each part as students build, encouraging hands-on learning.
Demonstrate how sound waves travel through the model
Tap or speak softly into the model’s ‘pinna’ and have students observe how vibrations move through each section. This interactive step helps clarify how sound travels in the human ear.
Facilitate a group discussion about the ear’s function
Ask students to describe what happened in the demonstration and connect each part’s role to hearing. Encourage questions and student-led explanations for deeper understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Label the Structure of the Ear
What are the main parts of the human ear and their functions?
The main parts of the human ear are the pinna (collects sound), ear canal (funnels sound to the eardrum), eardrum (vibrates with sound), auditory ossicles (amplify and transfer vibrations), cochlea (converts vibrations to electrical signals), and auditory nerve (carries signals to the brain).
How do you label the parts of the ear in a classroom diagram activity?
To label the ear, identify each part—pinna, ear canal, eardrum, auditory ossicles, cochlea, and auditory nerve—on the diagram and use arrows or text boxes to name them. Add a brief note about each part’s function for clarity.
What is the function of the auditory ossicles in hearing?
The auditory ossicles (hammer, anvil, stirrup) are tiny bones that amplify sound vibrations from the eardrum and transmit them to the cochlea, playing a crucial role in the hearing process.
Why is it important for students to learn the structure of the ear?
Understanding the structure of the ear helps students grasp how sound travels and is processed, laying the foundation for lessons on sound waves, hearing health, and the science of acoustics.
What are some tips for making ear diagram labeling activities easier for students?
Provide a list of key terms, use clear diagrams, encourage labeling with arrows, and allow students to add short notes about each part’s function to support understanding and retention.
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