This term in Science, we have been learning all about animals, including humans, with a particular focus on “Healthy Me”, exploring how we can look after ourselves and stay healthy.
We started by exploring healthy eating. We thought about the different foods that make up a healthy, balanced diet and learned about the portions we should have of different food groups. We discussed why our bodies need a variety of foods and how making healthy choices can help us to grow, learn and stay well.
Next, we investigated exercise and the effects it has on our bodies. We carried out our very own experiment to find out which exercise, jumping, squatting, stretching or running, had the biggest effect on our bodies. We observed what happened to our heart rate and breathing, noticing that after more energetic exercise, our hearts beat faster and we breathed more quickly. We also noticed that we became warmer and sometimes a little sweaty! We carried out our investigation on a very sunny day, which certainly made us feel even warmer after exercising!
We then turned our attention to germs and how they can affect our health. We carried out a fun and memorable experiment using hand sanitiser and glitter to show just how quickly germs can spread from person to person and from one surface to another. We discussed why some germs can make us ill and explored how we can help stop them spreading. We learned that one of the best ways to remove germs is to wash our hands thoroughly using warm water and soap.
Our next area of learning was oral hygiene and how keeping our teeth clean helps us to stay healthy. We carried out another hands-on investigation where we used a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean a cup covered in shoe polish, which represented plaque on our teeth. We also used Lego teeth and Play Doh plaque to investigate how dental floss can help remove plaque from between our teeth, places that a toothbrush might not always reach! 🦷
We even linked our Science learning with our new English unit on verbs and instructions. We wrote clear, step by step instructions explaining how to clean our teeth properly, making sure we used precise action words such as brush, scrub, rinse and floss.
It has been a very hands on and exciting Science unit, with lots of experiments and practical activities helping us to understand how we can take care of our bodies and make healthy choices. We have learned that staying healthy involves lots of different things, from eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to washing our hands and looking after our teeth.
🏠 How you can help at home
- Get active! Try three different exercises, such as star jumps, squats and jogging on the spot. How does each one affect your breathing and heart rate?
- Become a germ detective! With an adult, choose a commonly touched surface at home, such as a door handle. Think about how many people might touch it during the day and discuss how handwashing can help prevent germs from spreading.
- Perfect your tooth brushing technique! Next time you brush your teeth, see if you can remember all the steps we learned in Science. Make sure you brush carefully and remember to clean those tricky to reach areas!
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