Did you know the inside of your nose is filled with goblet cells which create mucus, and very tiny hairs called cilia? The bigger hairs help stop unwanted particles from getting into your nose.
Everything you smell gives off molecules which are very light and float in the air. When these get into your nose, they dissolve in the watery mucus. At the top of your nasal passages, there are patches of neurons* which have tiny hairs called cilia. The smell molecules bind to the cilia which trigger the neurons to transfer the message to a part of your brain called the olfactory bulb which tells you what the smell is.
Sense of smell experiments
Make scented play dough and match the smell to the spice.
Learn about the other roles of the nose!
Find out how taste is linked to smell by holding your nose to see if you can still taste the food.
Learn more about the brain and how it works by making a 3D brain model.
*neurons are cells which transmit information through the nervous system.
Last Updated on January 23, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
Deceptively Educational says
Thank you for making science so accessible! I just gave you the Versatile Blogger Award. Stop by for more info: http://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/p/blog-awards.html
HELEN says
oooh yum cinnamon & garlic, 2 of my favourite smells, although not sure if I'd like them together!
Looks like baby H enjoyed getting in on the action & can't believe how much blonde hair she has now!
x
amy says
Neat idea! I'd enjoy playing with scented playdoh too! I'd love for you to link here:
http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-craft-challenge-5-kids-craft-or.html
ScienceSparks says
Thank you! We have linked up! 🙂
Love In The Nest says
Such a great idea! May give this a go, although I'm liking the cinnamon idea more than stinky garlic heehe
ScienceSparks says
Yes, cinnamon was much nicer! x
crittersandcrayons says
I LOVE this site and this idea! We do a lot of science at a young age because I want my kids to know that it's real, natural magic- and to not be afraid of it!
Ticia says
Ha ha ha ha ha, garlic in the playdough, that's funny. Great observation.
maggy, red ted art says
Oooh Science Sparks! Thank you so much for using our Play Dough recipe!! YAY! I am glad you liked it! And yukky yuk yuk GARLIC play dough... that is hilarious! What a fun fun activity and way to explore sense of smell.
Thank you so much for getting crafty AND for linking to Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says
love the addition of the garlic - how fun & definitely a smell that is strong enough to stand out! We have been talking about spiders and my girls were so amazed that their hair on their legs helps them smell. It's one fact that has really stuck w/them! 🙂
Thanks for sharing on last week's Sunday Showcase. I hope to see you share more of your fun ideas this week.
Bern
http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase
ScienceSparks says
oooh wow! I think I need to so some spider research 🙂