DIY Heartbeat Stethoscope

Build your own working stethoscope using a funnel and tubing to listen to your heart. Learn how sound travels and discover the 'lub-dub' rhythm of your heart valves.

Materials

• clear vinyl tubing (approx. 3-4 feet)
• plastic funnel (1)
• balloon (1)
• Y-connector tubing piece (1)
• adhesive tape (1 roll)

Safety

• Adult supervision required for cutting tubing.
• Balloon pieces are a choking hazard. Keep away from children under 3.

Steps

1. Take the long piece of clear vinyl tubing and fold it in half. Cut directly down the center to create two equal lengths.
2. Take one of those halves and cut it in half again to create two smaller pieces. You should now have one long piece of tubing and two short pieces.
3. Insert one end of the long piece of tubing into the neck of the funnel. Use adhesive tape to seal the connection tightly so no air escapes.
4. Connect the other end of the long piece of tubing to the bottom stem of the Y-connector.
5. Insert the two short pieces of tubing into the two open arms of the Y-connector. These will serve as your earpieces.
6. Prepare the diaphragm by cutting the neck off the balloon.
7. Stretch the remaining round part of the balloon tightly across the wide opening of the funnel and secure it (you can use tape or a rubber band if needed) so it forms a flat, tight drum surface.
8. Place the two short tube ends in your ears and hold the funnel (diaphragm) firmly against your chest to listen to your heartbeat.