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Primary Science · Year 2Chapter 8 · Staying healthy
Year 2 · Chapter 8

Staying healthy

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Say that animals, including humans, need water, food and air to stay alive
  • Say why a human needs to drink, eat and breathe
  • Say why exercise is good for my heart, muscles and bones
  • Name the food groups and say which group a food is in
  • Say that some foods are for sometimes, in small amounts
  • Wash my hands with soap and water, and brush my teeth twice a day

You should already know

  • Living, dead and never alive (Year 2, Chapter 2)
  • Food chains (Year 2, Chapter 4)
  • My body and my senses (Year 1 Science, Chapter 6)

Where this leads

  • Food and nutrition (Year 3 Science, Chapter 5)
  • Skeletons and muscles (Year 3 Science, Chapter 6)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 1 science, Year 2. Content: Describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival: water, food and air, Describe the importance for humans of exercise, Describe the importance for humans of eating the right amounts of different types of food, Describe the importance for humans of hygiene: washing hands, brushing teeth and keeping clean.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FIs a stone living, dead or never alive? Write the words.
2
FWhich body part do you smell with? Write one word.
3
FHow many cups are on the table? Count each cup once.
4
FWhich group of animals has feathers? Write one word.
5
FHow many stars are there? Count each star once.
8.1

What animals need to stay alive

Year 2
Describe the basic needs of animals for survival: water, food and air
Video lesson: What animals need to stay aliveComing soon
On a farm, a hen, a rabbit and a cow stand in the sunshine.

All animals need three things to stay alive: water, food and air. These are the basic needs of an animal.

A rabbit drinks water. It eats grass and leaves. It breathes in air.

A fish lives in water. It gets air from the water, through its gills.

A toy is fun, but it is not a basic need. An animal cannot stay alive without water, food or air.

water
food
air
The three basic needs of an animal: water, food and air.

Key ideas

  • Animals need water, food and air to stay alive.
  • These are the basic needs of an animal.
  • A toy is not a basic need.
  • A fish gets its air from the water.
Worked example 8.1.1
What does a rabbit need to drink? Write one word.

Method. Think about what a rabbit needs to live.

  1. Look at the rabbit. A rabbit is an animal, so it has basic needs.
    animal = needs
  2. Find the need for drinking. A rabbit drinks water.
    water
  3. Write the answer.
    water

Check. A rabbit needs to drink water. ✓

Watch out. Food is something to eat, not something to drink.

Worked example 8.1.2
Does a hen need air to stay alive? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about what every animal needs.

  1. Look at the hen. A hen is an animal.
    animal
  2. Think about air. Every animal needs air to stay alive.
    needs air
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. A hen needs air, like every other animal. ✓

Watch out. Air is one of the three basic needs.

Worked example 8.1.3
Which is food for a rabbit: grass or a stone? Write the word.

Method. Think about which one a rabbit can eat.

  1. Check grass. Grass is a plant, and a rabbit eats plants.
    grass
  2. Check stone. A stone is not food, and a rabbit cannot eat it.
    stone
  3. Write the answer.
    grass

Check. A rabbit eats grass. ✓

Watch out. A stone is not food for any animal.

Watch out

Watch out: an animal needs all three things together. A drink of water does not replace food or air.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, look at a pet’s food and water bowls, or a farm animal picture book. Say what the animal needs: water, food and air. Do not touch wild animals.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “What does the rabbit need to live?” Let your child name water, food and air, and say each one out loud.

Exercise 8A  What animals need to stay alive

1
FAnimals need water, food and ______. Write one word.
2
FDoes a hen need water? Write yes or no.
3
FDoes a cat need food? Write yes or no.
4
FWhich does a fish live in: water or sand? Write the word.
5
FTrue or false: a rabbit can stay alive for ever without food. Write true or false.
6
FLook at the four pictures. How many are basic needs of an animal? Write the number.
7
PSA puppy has 2 water bowls and 1 food bowl. How many bowls in all? Write the number.
water bowls
food bowls
8
PSSam counts 4 hens and 3 rabbits. How many animals in all? Write the number.
hens
rabbits
9
FWhich need does a bird have: a toy or air? Write the word.
10
FFill the gap: A fish takes in air from the ______. Write one word.
11
RElla says a cow does not need food. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
12
RSam says an animal can live for a long time without air. Is Sam right? Write yes or no.
13
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: a hen has water, food and air every day. Will it stay alive? Write yes or no.
14
RExplain why a pet needs water. Write one reason in a few words.
8.2

Humans need water, food and air

Year 2
Describe the basic needs of humans for survival: water, food and air
Video lesson: Humans need water, food and airComing soon
In a kitchen, a child drinks a glass of water beside a bowl of fruit.

Humans need water, food and air to stay alive, just like other animals.

Your body needs water to stay healthy. You need to drink water often, especially when you are active.

Food gives your body energy to move, think and grow.

You breathe in air all day and all night, even when you are asleep.

water to drink
food to eat
air to breathe
The three basic needs of a human: water, food and air.

Key ideas

  • Humans need water, food and air to stay alive.
  • Drink water often, especially when active.
  • Food gives your body energy to move and grow.
  • You breathe in air all day and night.
Worked example 8.2.1
Do humans need air to stay alive? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about what a human needs.

  1. Look at the child. A child is a human, so it has basic needs.
    human = needs
  2. Think about air. Humans breathe in air to stay alive.
    breathe air
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. Humans need air to stay alive. ✓

Watch out. Air is one of the three basic needs of a human.

Worked example 8.2.2
Food gives your body what? Write one word.

Method. Think about what food does for your body.

  1. Look at the food. Food is something we eat.
    eat
  2. Think about what food gives. Food gives the body energy to move and grow.
    energy
  3. Write the answer.
    energy

Check. Food gives your body energy. ✓

Watch out. Food is not the same as water.

Worked example 8.2.3
Sam drinks 3 cups of water at lunch and 2 cups after school. How many cups in all? Write the number.
lunch
after school

Method. Find each count, then add them all together.

  1. Write down each count. Each count is one row.
    lunch 3, after school 2
  2. Add the counts together. Add them all, so none is missed.
    3 + 2 = 5
  3. Write the answer.
    5

Check. Add them again, starting from the last count, and you get 5. ✓

Watch out. Make sure every row is in your total, and no row is counted twice.

Watch out

Watch out: food is not the only need. Humans also need water and air every day.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, count how many glasses of water you drink today. Talk about why water helps your body. Drink water from a clean cup.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Why do you think your body needs water?” Keep it simple and happy. Praise every answer.

Exercise 8B  Humans need water, food and air

1
FDo humans need water to stay alive? Write yes or no.
2
FDo humans need food to stay alive? Write yes or no.
3
FWhich need gives your body energy to move and grow: food or air? Write the word.
4
FFill the gap: You breathe in ______ all day and all night. Write one word.
5
FTrue or false: humans can go a long time without air. Write true or false.
6
FSam drinks 3 cups of water. How many cups? Count each cup once.
7
PSLily eats 2 apples and Tom eats 4 apples. How many apples in all? Write the number.
Lily
Tom
8
FIs water one of the three basic needs of a human? Write yes or no.
9
RBen says humans only need air when they are running. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
10
RElla says that if you eat fruit, you do not need to drink water. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
11
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: Ali plays in the hot sun all day. Will Ali need a drink? Write yes or no.
12
PSThe bar chart shows cups of water drunk on Monday and Tuesday. How many more cups on Tuesday? Write the number.
02468Monday4Tuesday6Cups of water drunk
13
RExplain why humans need food. Write one reason in a few words.
14
FDo you breathe in air when you are asleep? Write yes or no.
8.3

Exercise keeps the body healthy

Year 2
Describe the importance for humans of exercise
Video lesson: Exercise keeps the body healthyComing soon
In the park, a child rides a bike and a friend plays with a ball.

Exercise means moving your body in active ways. Running, jumping, cycling, swimming and dancing are all exercise.

When you exercise, your heart beats faster. It pumps blood around your body faster. You breathe faster too.

Exercise keeps your heart, muscles and bones strong. Being active every day is good for you.

Stop and rest if you feel unwell during exercise. Tell a grown-up.

cycling
playing ball
heart beats faster
Some kinds of exercise, and what happens to your heart.

Key ideas

  • Exercise means moving your body in active ways.
  • Exercise makes your heart beat faster.
  • Exercise keeps your muscles and bones strong.
  • Be active every day, and have fun.
Worked example 8.3.1
Does exercise make your heart beat faster? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about what happens when you exercise.

  1. Look at the heart. When you exercise, your heart works harder.
    works harder
  2. Think about the beat. A harder working heart beats faster.
    beats faster
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. Exercise makes your heart beat faster. ✓

Watch out. A resting heart beats more slowly than an active heart.

Worked example 8.3.2
Which is faster: resting or jumping? Write the word.
010203040Resting18Jumping27Heartbeats in 15 seconds

Method. Read the bars on the chart.

  1. Look at the bars. The jumping bar is taller than the resting bar.
    jumping taller
  2. Compare the numbers. 27 beats is more than 18 beats.
    more beats
  3. Write the answer.
    jumping

Check. Jumping makes the heart beat faster. ✓

Watch out. Taller bar means more beats in 15 seconds.

Worked example 8.3.3
Which is a kind of exercise: running or sleeping? Write the word.

Method. Think about which one makes your body move.

  1. Check running. Running is active and makes your body move.
    running
  2. Check sleeping. Sleeping is resting, not exercise.
    sleeping
  3. Write the answer.
    running

Check. Running is a kind of exercise. ✓

Watch out. Resting is good for you, but it is not exercise.

Watch out

Watch out: resting is not exercise. Rest is good too, but it does not make your heart work harder.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, find your pulse. Put two fingers gently on the side of your wrist, not your thumb. Count the beats for 15 seconds. Then jump on the spot for one minute and count again. Stop if you feel unwell.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Is your heart beating faster now?” Let your child count and compare the two numbers. Keep it safe, slow and fun.

Exercise 8C  Exercise keeps the body healthy

1
FWhich is exercise: dancing or sleeping? Write the word.
2
FDoes exercise make your heart beat faster? Write yes or no.
3
FFill the gap: Exercise keeps your ______ strong. Write one word.
4
FTrue or false: resting is the same as exercise. Write true or false.
5
FWhich needs more effort: walking slowly or running fast? Write the word.
6
FWhich picture shows an exercise: A a ball or B a book? Write the letter.
A
B
7
PSPat plays catch 4 times. Sam plays catch 3 times. How many times in all? Write the number.
Pat
Sam
8
PSThe bar chart shows heartbeats in 15 seconds. How many more beats after jumping than at rest? Write the number.
010203040Resting18After jumping27Heartbeats in 15 seconds
9
PSAt rest, your heart beats 18 times in 15 seconds. How many beats in one minute? Write the number.
10
RElla says exercise makes you tired for ever. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
11
RBen says your heart beats faster when you stop exercising. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: will your heart beat faster after running? Write yes or no.
13
RExplain why exercise is good for your heart. Write one reason in a few words.
14
FFill the gap: When you exercise, you breathe ______. Write one word.
8.4

Eating a balanced diet

Year 2
Describe the importance for humans of eating the right amounts of different types of food
Video lesson: Eating a balanced dietComing soon
In a kitchen, a family puts fruit, vegetables and bread on the table.

A balanced diet means eating a mix of foods from different food groups. The Eatwell Guide is a picture of these groups.

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables every day. Have starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta, which give you energy.

Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt help keep your bones and teeth strong.

Protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs and beans help your body grow and mend.

Foods with a lot of fat or sugar, such as cakes and sweets, are for sometimes, in small amounts.

Food groupFoodsHow much
Fruitapples, bananas, grapeslots, every day
Vegetablescarrots, peas, broccolilots, every day
Starchy foodsbread, potatoes, rice, pastaplenty, at most meals
Dairymilk, cheese, yoghurtsome, every day
Proteinmeat, fish, eggs, beanssome, every day
Fat, sugar and saltcakes, sweets, crispsa small amount, sometimes
The food groups, and how much of each to eat.

Key ideas

  • Eat lots of fruit and vegetables every day.
  • Starchy foods give you energy.
  • Dairy foods help keep your bones and teeth strong.
  • Protein foods help your body grow.
  • Have cakes and sweets sometimes, in small amounts.
Worked example 8.4.1
Which group is an apple in? Write the word.

Method. Look at the food and find its group.

  1. Look at the apple. An apple is a fruit.
    fruit
  2. Find the group. Fruit is one of the food groups.
    fruit
  3. Write the answer.
    fruit

Check. An apple is in the fruit group. ✓

Watch out. An apple is not a vegetable.

Worked example 8.4.2
Which group is milk in? Write the word.

Method. Look at the drink and find its group.

  1. Look at the milk. Milk is a dairy food.
    dairy
  2. Find the group. Dairy foods are milk, cheese and yoghurt.
    dairy
  3. Write the answer.
    dairy

Check. Milk is in the dairy group. ✓

Watch out. Milk is not a fruit.

Worked example 8.4.3
Should a cake be eaten every day or sometimes? Write the word.

Method. Think about foods with a lot of sugar.

  1. Look at the cake. A cake has a lot of sugar and fat.
    sugar and fat
  2. Think about how often. Foods like this are for sometimes, in small amounts.
    sometimes
  3. Write the answer.
    sometimes

Check. Cakes are a food for sometimes. ✓

Watch out. All foods can fit into a healthy diet, in small amounts.

Watch out

Watch out: no single food has everything your body needs. A healthy meal mixes the groups.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, sort food packets or pictures from a magazine into the groups in the table. Do not taste anything for this game. Say which group each food is in.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Which group is this food in?” Let your child answer out loud. Keep it positive: all foods can have a place in a healthy diet.

Exercise 8D  Eating a balanced diet

1
FWhich group is a carrot in: fruit or vegetables? Write the word.
2
FWhich group is bread in? Write the word.
3
FWhich group is an egg in? Write the word.
4
FWhich group is cheese in? Write the word.
5
FFill the gap: Eat lots of fruit and ______ every day. Write one word.
6
FHow many apples are in the bowl? Count each apple once.
7
PSSam has 5 pieces of fruit and 3 vegetables in his lunch box. How many in all? Write the number.
fruit
vegetables
8
PSThis plate has fish, bread, carrot and apple. Which group is missing: dairy or fruit? Write the word.
9
PSThe bar chart shows food groups in a class lunch count. Which group has the most? Write the word.
0246Fruit5Starchy4Protein3Dairy2Food groups in a class lunch count
10
RBen says a balanced diet means eating only cake. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
11
RElla says we should eat fruit and vegetables every day. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: a child eats fish, bread, milk and an apple. Will this be a balanced meal? Write yes or no.
13
RExplain why we need dairy foods such as milk. Write one reason in a few words.
14
FTrue or false: you should eat a small amount of sweets and cakes. Write true or false.
8.5

Keeping clean: hygiene

Year 2
Describe the importance for humans of hygiene: washing hands, brushing teeth and keeping clean
Video lesson: Keeping clean: hygieneComing soon
At school, children wash their hands at the sink before lunch.

Hygiene means keeping clean. Clean habits help us to stay healthy.

Germs are tiny things that can make us poorly. Washing and cleaning wash germs away.

Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, and after you use the toilet.

Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste. Have a bath or shower, and wear clean clothes.

soap and water
brush teeth twice a day
keep clean
Keeping clean helps us stay healthy.

Key ideas

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Wash your hands before you eat.
  • Wash your hands after using the toilet.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day.
  • Germs can make you poorly.
Worked example 8.5.1
How many seconds should you wash your hands for? Write the number.

Method. Think about how long a handwash should last.

  1. Think about the time. Wash your hands for about 20 seconds.
    about 20 seconds
  2. Check with a count. Count slowly to twenty, or sing a short song once.
    count to 20
  3. Write the answer.
    20

Check. Wash your hands for about 20 seconds. ✓

Watch out. Count slowly, so you do not rush.

Worked example 8.5.2
How many times a day should you brush your teeth? Write the number.

Method. Think about how often to clean your teeth.

  1. Think about the day. Brush your teeth in the morning and at night.
    morning and night
  2. Count the times. That is two times a day.
    two times
  3. Write the answer.
    2

Check. Brush your teeth two times a day. ✓

Watch out. Use toothpaste, not just water.

Worked example 8.5.3
Should you wash your hands after using the toilet? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about germs.

  1. Think about the toilet. Germs can be on your hands after the toilet.
    germs on hands
  2. Think about washing. Soap and water wash the germs away.
    wash away
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. Wash your hands after using the toilet. ✓

Watch out. Germs are too small to see, so always wash.

Watch out

Watch out: water on its own does not remove germs as well as soap and water do. Always use soap.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Time 20 seconds with a clock or timer, or sing a short song slowly. Dry your hands well. Never taste or drink the soap.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Did we wash our hands before we ate?” Use a timer together, and make handwashing a calm, fun routine.

Exercise 8E  Keeping clean: hygiene

1
FFill the gap: Wash your hands with soap and ______. Write one word.
2
FShould you wash your hands before you eat? Write yes or no.
3
FWhich do you use to clean your teeth: a toothbrush or a spoon? Write the word.
4
FTrue or false: germs can make you poorly. Write true or false.
5
FHow many bars of soap are in the box? Count each bar once.
6
FWhat do you put on your toothbrush to clean your teeth? Write one word.
7
PSSam brushes his teeth 2 times a day for 3 days. How many brushes in all? Write the number.
day 1
day 2
day 3
8
PSAli washes his hands 4 times on Monday and 4 times on Tuesday. How many times in all? Write the number.
Monday
Tuesday
9
PSThe bar chart shows hand washes in one week. How many more before eating than after playing? Write the number.
0510152025Before eating18After playing12Hand washes in one week
10
RBen says you only need to wash your hands if they look dirty. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
11
RElla says rinsing your hands with water only is as good as using soap. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: hands washed with soap will have fewer germs than hands washed with water only. Will they? Write yes or no.
13
RExplain why we wash our hands after using the toilet. Write one reason in a few words.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Basic needsAnimals, including humans, need water, food and air to stay alive. A toy is not a basic need.
ExerciseExercise means moving your body. It makes your heart beat faster and keeps your muscles and bones strong.
Balanced dietEat lots of fruit and vegetables. Have starchy foods, dairy, and protein foods. Have cakes and sweets sometimes.
HygieneWash your hands with soap and water. Brush your teeth twice a day. Keep clean.
SafetyAlways exercise with a grown-up nearby. Stop and rest if you feel unwell. Do not taste anything in the food games.

Can you…?

  • I can say that animals, including humans, need water, food and air to stay alive
  • I can say why exercise is good for my heart and muscles
  • I can name the food groups and say which group a food is in
  • I know that cakes and sweets are for sometimes, in small amounts
  • I can wash my hands with soap and water, and brush my teeth twice a day

Key terms

basic need
something a living thing must have to stay alive: water, food and air
exercise
moving your body in active ways, such as running, jumping or cycling
balanced diet
eating a mix of foods from different food groups
food group
a group of foods that are alike, such as fruit or dairy
starchy food
bread, potatoes, rice or pasta, which give you energy
protein
a food group, such as meat, fish, eggs and beans, that helps your body grow
hygiene
keeping clean to stay healthy
germ
a tiny thing that can make you poorly
heartbeat
one beat of your heart; a pulse is the feel of this beat

Exercise 8Z  Check-up

1
Which one of these is a basic need of an animal: a toy or water? Write the word.
2
Which food group is milk in? Write the word.
3
How many cups are there? Count each cup once.
4
True or false: your heart beats faster when you jump. Write true or false.
5
Which group is bread in: starchy or fruit? Write the word.
6
True or false: you should brush your teeth twice a day. Write true or false.
7
Lily has 3 apples and 4 bananas. How many pieces of fruit in all? Write the number.
apples
bananas
8
Sam says humans do not need air. Is Sam right? Write yes or no.
9
Ali says a fish needs no water to live in. Is Ali right? Write yes or no.
10
Working scientifically. Predict: a child washes hands with soap before lunch. Will they spread fewer germs? Write yes or no.

Total 14 marks. Allow about 14 minutes.

Exercise 8X  End-of-chapter quiz

1
FWhat does a fish live in? Write one word.[1 mark]
2
FWhich group is an apple in? Write one word.[1 mark]
3
FHow many apples are there? Count each apple once.[1 mark]
4
FDo humans need air to stay alive? Write yes or no.[1 mark]
5
FTrue or false: exercise makes your heart beat faster. Write true or false.[1 mark]
6
PSSam drinks 3 cups of water and eats 2 carrots. How many things in all? Write the number.[2 marks]
cups of water
carrots
7
PSThe bar chart shows how many days Ben ate each food this week. How many more days of fruit than sweets? Write the number.[2 marks]
0246Fruit5Sweets2Days Ben ate each food
8
RElla says you should eat cake every day to be healthy. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.[2 marks]
9
RExplain why exercise is good for you. Write one reason in a few words.[2 marks]
10
FWhich is the best drink when you are thirsty: water or a fizzy drink? Write the word.[1 mark]
← Chapter 7: Animals and their youngChapter 9: Uses of everyday materials →

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