Describe an activity to make a model of a sethoscope using readily available material in your surroundings
Answers
Answer:
Large plastic funnels (3)
Small plastic funnels (3)
Tip: one option is to buy 3 funnel sets. Use one large and one small funnel from each set.
Plastic tubing, at least as long as the cardboard tube; available at hardware stores and aquarium supply stores
A cardboard tube from a paper-towel roll
A pen that can write on plastic
A pair of strong scissors or utility knife
Small garden hose, at least as long as the cardboard tube
Electrical tape
Duct tape
A helper
Lab notebook
Optional: Graph paper
Procedure
Experimental Procedure
Making Three Different Stethoscopes
In this part of the science project, you will make three different homemade stethoscopes.
Make the first stethoscope with a large funnel, a small funnel, and the plastic tubing. You can see a picture of this stethoscope in Figure 2 below.
Cut the plastic tubing so that it is exactly as long as the cardboard tube.
Lay the tubing flat against the cardboard tube. Line one end of the plastic tubing up with one end of the cardboard tube. Where the plastic tubing lines up with the other end of the cardboard tube, mark this point on the tubing with a pen.
Have an adult help you cut the plastic tubing where you marked it with the pen. The cut tubing should be the same length as the cardboard tube.
Put a small funnel in one end of the tubing, and a large funnel in the other end.
If it is hard to put the funnels in the tubing, soak the tubing in warm water to soften the plastic and try again. If this does not work, tape the tubing to the funnels. Make sure that the tape is holding the funnel and tubing together tightly.
Plastic tubing connects the tips of two plastic funnels
Figure 2. The first homemade stethoscope design connects two funnels, one large and one small, together using plastic tubing.
Make the second stethoscope with a large funnel, a small funnel, the small garden hose, and electrical tape. You can see a picture of this stethoscope in Figure 3 below.
Cut the hose so that it is exactly as long as the cardboard tube.
Lay the hose flat against the cardboard tube. Line one end of the hose up with one end of the cardboard tube. Where the hose lines up with the other end of the cardboard tube, mark this point on the hose with a pen.
Have an adult help you cut the hose where you marked it. The cut hose should be the same length as the cardboard tube.
Put a small funnel in one end of the hose, and a large funnel in the other end.
Tape the funnel and hose together with electrical tape.
Two plastic funnels are inserted into the ends of a segment of garden hose and secured with tape
Figure 3. The second homemade stethoscope design connects two funnels, one large and one small, together using a piece of garden hose. Electrical tape is used to securely attach the funnels to the hose.
Make the third stethoscope with a large funnel, a small funnel, the cardboard tube, and duct tape. You can see a picture of this stethoscope in Figure 4 below.
Put a small funnel in one end of the cardboard tube, and a large funnel in the other end.
Tape the funnel and cardboard together using duct tape.
Two plastic funnels are taped into opposite ends of a cardboard tube
Figure 4. The third homemade stethoscope design connects two funnels, one large and one small, together using a cardboard tube and duct tape.
Testing Your Stethoscopes
Listen to the heartbeat of a helper using each one of your homemade stethoscopes. If there are other noises in the room, it can be difficult to hear using the stethoscope, so make sure you are in a quiet place. Also, thick clothing may make it difficult to hear the heartbeat.
Place the large funnel of the stethoscope on your helper's chest, over where his or her heart is.
Put the small funnel against your ear, covering it.
Listen for your helper's heartbeat.
Which stethoscope made it easiest for you to hear your helper's heartbeat? Which stethoscope was the hardest to hear your helper's heartbeat with? Make a data table in your lab notebook like Table 1 below. Write down in your table how loud the heartbeat sounds were for each stethoscope.