Making a Stethoscope Activity

The stethoscope was invented in 1816 to assist in diagnosing cardiovascular issues. Although we have developed more advanced tools over the years, doctors still routinely use the stethoscope. Teachers have also found that knowing how to use a stethoscope is an important learning activity for both children and adults. But many teachers aren't sure where to start when designing stethoscope activities. Here's information on creating your own stethoscope and using it in an easy activity.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic hose
• Funnel

1. Make the stethoscope. Take a 1- to 2-foot clear plastic hose and carefully connect it to a small funnel. Gently shake the stethoscope to ensure it is attached well.

2. Place the plastic hose to your ear. Having the hose next to your ear will allow you to listen to someone's heart beat.

3. Choose a partner. Place the funnel where you think the person's heart should be. This is a hands-on way to allow students to find the heartbeat themselves. If you can't hear anything, keep moving the funnel until you hear the heart beat.

4. Listen to the heartbeat. Once you have found where the heartbeat is, listen closely. You can also place the funnel on your own heart to listen to your heartbeat.

5. Give your partner a turn. Once you have practiced listening to your partner's heartbeat, it's time for her turn. Give her the stethoscope and repeat the activity.

Tips & Warnings

• If this activity is performed by children, make sure they are supervised. This will ensure that the activity is done correctly and that everyone is handling the stethoscopes in a safe manner.
• Remind children to be gentle when listening. It's important that they don't shove the tubing into their ears.

Resources

• History of Stethoscopes