ScienceGrade 2nd· Why Do We Yawn?
Why Do We Yawn?
A yawn = one big, slow, deep breath.
Learning Objective
Kids learn a yawn is a big deep breath, that scientists think it cools the brain / boosts alertness, and that yawns are contagious.
What You'll Learn
- A yawn = one big, slow, deep breath.
- Best ideas: it cools the brain and helps you feel alert.
- Yawns are contagious and linked to empathy.
- Scientists still don't fully know why — that's the fun mystery.
Words to Know
- Yawn
- A big slow deep breath with your mouth wide open!
- She gave a huge sleepy yawn.
- Contagious
- Something that spreads from one person to another!
- Yawns are contagious — you caught mine!
- Empathy
- Understanding how someone else feels!
- Catching a yawn is a sign of empathy.
- Alert
- Wide awake and ready to go!
- A yawn can help you feel more alert.
Check What You Learned
Quick Quiz
1 / 5Which of these is TRUE?
Watch next
Why Does My Tummy Growl?
Squeeze-waves (peristalsis) push food, liquid, and air along.
Lesson Info
Grade 2nd
2026-07-20
Why Do We Yawn?
Standards Alignment
- Health / Human Body
how the body breathes and responds; observing patterns in behavior
- 2
asking questions and using evidence to explain a phenomenon
Play the whole series
Episode 2 of gross body files
Keywords
2nd grade sciencescience for kidsyawncontagiousempathyalertHealth / Human Body2kids learningelementary education
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