Basic Needs of Humans

[Hannah787]

I am an education major and writing a lesson plan for a class. I will not implement it, but I need an activity that deals with oxygen as a basic need for humans. This is for a second grade social studies class. I'm running out of things to do! Any ideas? I would really appreciate any ideas that you may have!

[irish223]

Well, second graders aren't like plants, so I guess you can't deprive one of oxygen to show the effect. On the other hand, you don't plan to implement it, so....

Seriously, though, the only thing that comes to mind is an activity that shows that our bodies tell us what we need. For example, if we don't eat, we get hungry. In my class, everyone is hungry by lunchtime, so our bodies are telling us to eat. After recess, our bodies tell us to drink. To show the need for oxygen, hold your breath for as long as you can. When you can't hold it anymore, that's your body telling you that you need to breathe oxygen.

[Chef Dave]

Have the kids run in place for a minute. Have them stop. Why are they huffing and puffing?

Have the kids hold their breath for as long as they can. Time them to see who has the longest record. Discuss how the kids felt as they held their breath. How did their bodies feel? Why do they think their bodies felt this way?