Human ear challenge

Ideal to use with students once they have been introduced to the structure and function of the ear. They are given a set of nine abstract shapes which relate to parts of the ear.

They are asked to suggest:

• which part of the ear each could represent
• why it is not a perfect choice
• to describe what would happen if the part was missing from the ear.

Students can then put the parts together to make a model ear to stick in their books. As a summary asked students to put the parts of the ear in order that the sound wave reaches them. 

The task could be differentiated by providing students with a diagram of the ear.