Why Two Eyes?

Health Science
Time 30 minutes
Age 5 & up
Group Size Less than 10
Tags Minimal Materials, Senses, Sight

Why do we have two eyes?

Children’s bodies are undergoing constant change. By getting to know their own bodies better, these changes can be less mysterious. Children who are in tune with their own bodies can use all of their senses as tools as they explore and try to understand the world around them. This activity helps children learn more about their sense of sight.

Preparation

Rather than buy blindfolds, you can make them with scraps of fabric. Make sure you ahve enough for each pair of students.

Why Two Eyes?
Share Print

Suggested Materials

  • Balls or bean bags (15)
  • Blindfolds (15)
1

Make it Matter

Opening Discussion

Ask your students if they have ever tried to do anything with one eye closed. Was it harder, easier or about the same as with both eyes open?

The Challenge

Try to catch the ball with only one eye open!

2

Make it Happen

Doing the Activity

  1. Arrange your students in pairs for this activity.
  2. Distribute 1 ball or beanbag and 1 blindfold to each pair.
  3. Have each pair stand about 3 meters away from each other and gently toss the ball back and forth.
  4. After a few minutes, have one child in each pair place the blindfold over their left eye, and then toss the ball back and forth with their partner again. After a few tosses, the partners should switch roles, with the second child wearing the blindfold.
3

Make it Click

Let’s Talk About It

After each child has worn the blindfold and tossed the ball back and forth with their partner, bring your students together to talk about what they’ve done. Was it easy or hard to catch the ball with both eyes uncovered? Was it easier, harder or the same with their left eye covered? Did this surprise them? What do they think might happen if they tried covering their right eye?

4

Make it Better

Build On What They Talked About

Have each pair repeat the process, but this time with the right eye covered. Once they’ve all tried it, ask them if it was easier to catch the ball with their left eye covered, their right eye covered or was it about the same?

Suggestions

Print Friendly