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For the Juniors: Breathing under the water

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Fish swimming underwater
For the Juniors: Breathing under the water

SUBJECTS:  Science

YEARS:  F–2, 3–4


What would it be like to breathe under water?

See the equipment humans use to help them swim under water.

Find out about the special features fish have that help them 'breathe' under water.


Things to think about

  1. 1.When we breathe, our lungs need air (which has oxygen in it). We can't breathe under water. What do you do when you swim under water? How are fish able to 'breathe' under water?
  2. 2.Watch how people use a snorkel to help them breathe when they swim under water. What special feature (part of its body) does a fish use to take oxygen out of the water? Why does a fish open and close its mouth when it is not eating?
  3. 3.Explain to someone else how a fish breathes. Draw a picture to show a fish 'breathing' under water and a person using a snorkel to help them breathe under water. Use arrows in your drawing to show how the oxygen is used. If possible, next time you are at a fish shop, look closely at the gills of fish.
  4. 4.Find out more about fish. What makes a fish a fish? What features do all fish have? Whales and seals swim under water for long periods of time but are not fish. Find out what type of animals they are and how they stay under water for so long.



Date of broadcast: 25 Jun 2005


Copyright

Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2020 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

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