Hearing: How Do Our Ears Work?
From whispers to jarring bullhorns, both ears and robot sound sensors, inform us of sound intensity.Copyright 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
Students learn about the anatomy of the ear and how the ears work as a sound sensor. Ear anatomy parts and structures are explained in detail, as well as how sound is transmitted mechanically and then electrically through them to the brain. Students use LEGO® robots with sound sensors to measure sound intensities, learning how the brick (computer) converts the intensity of sound measured by the sensor input into a number that transmits to a screen. They build on their experiences from the previous activities and establish a rich understanding of the sound sensor and its relationship to the TaskBot's computer.
**Note: This activity uses the retired LEGO NXT robot which is no longer available for purchase.
Biological engineers and neuroscientists perceive the human body as a functioning, controlled system, similar to a robot. Research is showing that mathematical principles similar to those used in robotics are extremely useful or even necessary for a complete understanding of the human body. In this activity, students further explore how our sound sensors, the ears, work, and how they convert sound into signals that are transmitted to the brain. Engineers use such findings to design improved speakers and sound systems for music and entertainment systems and venues.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how our ears convert sound into signals that are sent to the brain.
- Explain how a robot sound sensor functions.
- Explain how sound intensity changes by changing the distance to the source of the sound.