Athletics & Wellness Grade 1 45 min

Why Do I Huff and Puff?

Let's learn why running and playing makes you breathe fast and your heart beat like a drum! It's your body's amazing way of getting stronger and healthier.

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What & Why

When you play, your body is like a busy car that needs fuel. Your fuel is called oxygen, which is in the air you breathe!Your lungs breathe in the oxygen, and your heart pumps it all around your body to give you energy. When you move fast, your body yells, 'More energy, please!' So, your heart and lungs work faster. That's why you huff, puff, and feel your heart beat fast!
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Example 1 — Quiet as a Mouse

Imagine you are sitting and reading a book.Gently place your hand on your chest. Can you feel your heart? It's beating slowly and gently. thump... thump...Now, pay attention to your breathing. It's slow and quiet. You don't even notice it much.This is your 'resting' body. It doesn't need much energy right now.
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Example 2 — Hopping Like a Bunny

Now, stand up and hop on the spot for one minute, like a happy bunny!Stop and place your hand on your chest again. What do you feel? Your heart is beating faster! thump-thump-thump!Listen to your breathing. Is it faster? Are you breathing a little deeper?This is your 'active' body. It's starting to work and ask for more oxygen fuel!

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Sample Practice Questions

Beginner
What happens to your heart when you run very fast?
A.It beats faster.
B.It stops.
C.It gets smaller.
D.It beats slower.
Beginner
You just finished a fun dance party and you are huffing and puffing. What is the BEST thing to do next?
A.Start running right away.
B.Hold your breath.
C.Sit down, rest, and drink some water.
D.Eat a big bag of candy.
Beginner
Which parts of your body work together to get oxygen for energy?
A.Your eyes and ears.
B.Your heart and lungs.
C.Your knees and elbows.
D.Your tummy and your toes.

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More from Get Fit — Heartbeats & Breaths — How Activity Feels

Finding My Heartbeat Big Breaths, Little Breaths Let's Get Our Hearts Pumping! Warm, Tingly, and Tired: How Moving Feels Slowing Down: From Fast to Slow Breaths
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Frequently asked questions

What grade level is "Why Do I Huff and Puff?"?

Why Do I Huff and Puff? is a Grade 1 Athletics & Wellness lesson on ExcelOS.

What will I learn in Why Do I Huff and Puff??

Let's learn why running and playing makes you breathe fast and your heart beat like a drum! It's your body's amazing way of getting stronger and healthier.

Is "Why Do I Huff and Puff?" free to practice?

Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.

How many practice questions are included with Why Do I Huff and Puff??

This lesson includes 12 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.

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