A Wonderleaf question
Why do we get dizzy when we spin?
a real page from the book
We get dizzy after spinning because the fluid in our inner ears keeps moving after our body stops. Tiny sensors there still report motion, while our eyes and feet say we are standing still, and the brain briefly receives mixed balance messages.
Those ear loops are called semicircular canals, and they help track turns of the head. Inertia lets the liquid lag behind for a few seconds, so the room seems to tip until the fluid settles and the messages agree again.
Wonder words
- semicircular
- canals
- inertia
- balance
Try it out
Turn in place slowly three times, stop, and describe what your eyes, feet, and ears seem to say.
Read the whole picture book
Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.
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