C Curriculum Explorer
Science·The Human Body·conceptual

How Breathing Works

Know that we breathe air into our lungs through the nose and mouth, that our lungs take in oxygen from the air which our body needs to stay alive, and that we breathe out carbon dioxide as waste

Suggested ages 5–7

Open direct link

Learning journey

Your child is discovering how their amazing body works — learning about the heart, lungs, brain, skeleton, and five senses, plus understanding what their body needs to stay healthy and strong.

Evidence of understanding

  • Trace the path of air: nose/mouth → windpipe → lungs
  • State that lungs take oxygen from the air, which the body needs
  • State that we breathe out carbon dioxide, which the body doesn't need

Assessment prompt

After running around, can How Breathing Works notice their faster breathing and explain that their lungs are taking in air that the body needs?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.