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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » How do humans smell?

    How do humans smell?

    October 6, 2011 By Emma Vanstone 13 Comments

    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.

    Girl holding her nose and eating jelly babies as part of an investigation to find out how taste is affected by smell.

    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

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deceptively Educational

      October 06, 2011 at 2:36 pm

      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

      Reply
    2. HELEN

      October 06, 2011 at 3:04 pm

      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

      Reply
    3. amy

      October 09, 2011 at 11:49 am

      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

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        October 12, 2011 at 9:11 pm

        Thank you! We have linked up! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Love In The Nest

      October 09, 2011 at 3:01 pm

      Such a great idea! May give this a go, although I’m liking the cinnamon idea more than stinky garlic heehe

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        October 09, 2011 at 7:32 pm

        Yes, cinnamon was much nicer! x

        Reply
    5. crittersandcrayons

      October 09, 2011 at 9:08 pm

      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!

      Reply
    6. Ticia

      October 10, 2011 at 10:21 pm

      Ha ha ha ha ha, garlic in the playdough, that’s funny. Great observation.

      Reply
    7. maggy, red ted art

      October 12, 2011 at 8:02 pm

      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

      Reply
    8. Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

      October 16, 2011 at 12:22 pm

      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

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        October 16, 2011 at 9:27 pm

        oooh wow! I think I need to so some spider research 🙂

        Reply

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