Open the Window!

"Why does opening a window make the air feel better?"

• Tissue paper strips or ribbons
• Windows that can open (or door to outside)
• Fan (optional for indoor demonstration)
• Chart paper for recording observations

Teacher Says:

"Have you ever been in a room that feels stuffy? Maybe it smells a little funny or feels hard to breathe? What do grown-ups do to make it feel better? (Wait for answers) Yes! They open a window! Today we are going to learn why fresh air from outside helps keep us healthy."

Steps:

1. Have students sit quietly with windows closed
2. Ask: "How does the air feel right now?"
3. Open a window (or door to outside)
4. Wait a minute, then ask: "How does the air feel now?"
5. Hold tissue paper near the window - watch it move!

Using Tissue Streamers:

Give each student a tissue paper strip on a stick.

• By the window: How does it move? (Moves a lot!)
• In the middle of room: How does it move? (Moves a little)
• In a corner: How does it move? (Moves less)

Explain Simply:

• When we breathe, we use up the good air
  The air we breathe out is not as good as fresh air.
• Dust and germs build up inside
  The tiny things we learned about stay in the room.
• Fresh air brings new, clean air
  It pushes the old air out and brings in new air!

Sing to "Twinkle Twinkle":

"Open, open up the window wide,
Let the fresh air come inside!
Out goes air that's old and stuffy,
In comes air that's clean and fluffy!
Open, open up the window wide,
Fresh air helps us feel alive!"

Wave arms like fresh air flowing in!

Ask Students:

• "How can we get fresh air inside?" (Open windows!)
• "Why is fresh air better than stuffy air?"
• "What happens to the old air when we open windows?" (It goes out!)