ACTIVITY SHEET SCIENCE BEHIND TEDDY BEAR CLINIC Going to the doctor can be a scary thing. The doctor uses a lot of equipment that is not familiar. If you know what each piece of equipment is used for, it can make your visit less scary. The stethoscope is an instrument that a doctor uses to listen to your heart beating. It is very important that your heart beats strong and steady. They will use the stethoscope to listen to your breathing to make sure your lungs are clear. The doctor also may take your temperature. Usually, they do this with a thermometer that goes under your tongue or one that scans the surface of your forehead. The doctor may look into your mouth to see if there are signs of infection or that you are not drinking enough fluids. They may use a device called an otoscope to look into your ears to check for signs of infection or shine a light into your eyes to test their reflexes and make sure they are clear and healthy.
KEY TERMS Equipment - an item necessary for a particular purpose. Infection - the invasion and growth of germs in the body. Reflexes - An action that is a response to a stimulus without conscious thought. Stethoscope - a medical instrument for listening to the action of someone’s heart or breathing. • Temperature - the degree or intensity of heat present in something. • Thermometer - an instrument for measuring temperature. • Otoscope - an instrument used to look in ears and throat. • • • •
401 SW Second Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 • 954.467.6637