Your eyes each work independently, so how do we only see one image? The quick hands-on experiment encourages young scientists to test their blind spots on each eye individually. After learning where the blind spot is and why it exists, scholars try repeating the experience with both eyes open. Finally, they read a hypothesis and must critique if they agree or disagree and why.

Concepts

vision, optics, neurology, the optic nerve, retina

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have a 3-D model of an eye available for scholars to observe the many different parts

Classroom Considerations

• Printable posters should be printed in color rather than black and white
• Fits well when studying the senses, neurology, and adaptations
• Activity lasts under five minutes per student and multiple people can work simultaneously if you print enough test strips; use this as just one station in a rotation for best use of time

Pros

• Activity adapts easily to younger grades
• Requires no special materials or technology
• Pupils work independently rather than requiring close supervision

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3