This lab was modified from a similar lab posted by Carolina Biological company where students explore the senses. In this activity, students rotate between 6 stations where they are given tasks to perform. The record data on a handout that can be used during class discussions later.
I set this up on lab tables so students stay in clusters and move around the table to each station. The document includes cards to put at each station, these can be laminated and used every year. For organization, I purchase plastic boxes and store all the cards and the equipment in the box.
This version does not require purchasing a kit from Carolina, though you may need to order some equipment for the stations. Many can also be purchased cheaply from Amazon. The list below may be helpful, though there’s a good chance you already have these things in your lab.
Station 1 – Aluminum Temperature Probe + Stamp-https://amzn.to/2IUwomP
Station 2 – Two Point Discrimination Test – https://amzn.to/2IONZwa
Station 3 – Reflexes (test with hammer) https://amzn.to/2V88hY3
Station 4 – Reaction time with rulers , from Carolina , or make your own
Station 5 – Taste Tests – PTC taste strips: https://amzn.to/2XV2hz2 and cilantro (from grocery store)
Station 6 – Vision Test (Chart) https://amzn.to/2GHaC2c
A tuning fork could be added as a way to explore the sense of hearing, something that is not at any of the stations.
This is a great activity to do the first day of the new semester or at the beginning of the senses unit.
.