Big Idea

In today’s back pocket science lesson, I try to determine which parts of the body are more sensitive than others. It’s what I’m calling the Simple Nerve test, and you’ll need a ruler, a paper clip and a pencil and paper to record the data.

First, take a paper clip and unwind it into a ‘U’. Use a ruler to help you adjust the width between the tips of the ‘U’ so that they are 2 cm apart.

Next, find a part of your body to test – like the forearm – and have a partner help you test. Have your partner poke your forearm with the paper clip with either one or two tips while you guess how many tips – 1 or 2 – you were poked with.  And, make sure you record whether the guess was right or not too. Do 10 pokes, and then switch roles.

Then, adjust the width of the “U” to 1cm and repeat.

Then, repeat the lab but with a different part of the body.

Compare which parts of the body had more accurate guesses. The areas where the guess percentages are higher are more sensitive than others.

Resources

Handout(s): Handout – Simple Nerve Test

Our resources are free. We aren’t collecting emails for our resources. However, it would help us out if you liked us on our Facebook page and subscribed to our Youtube Channel. Thanks!