Make Your Own Stethoscope

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what happens to the heart as we exercise intensely? How does its beating change? A doctor can figure this out by using a tool called a stethoscope, which is a long, thin plastic tube that has a small disc on one end and earpieces on the other end. In this activity, you will make a homemade stethoscope and use it to measure peoples' heart rates at rest and after exercising.

Credits

Materials

• Duct tape or other strong tape
• Scissors
• Plastic funnel
• A cardboard tube from a paper-towel roll
• Stopwatch or clock that counts seconds
• A volunteer who can safely exercise intensely for one minute