This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksheet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
This Grade 4-5 science passage, 'From Senses to Actions,' explores how our senses work together with the brain and body to help us respond quickly to the world around us. Students will learn about the nervous system, how messages travel from sense organs to the brain, and how the body reacts to different stimuli. Key concepts such as stimulus, response, receptors, and neurons are clearly explained with real-life examples, following the NGSS standards for general science. The passage includes a glossary for key vocabulary, a Spanish translation, and multiple-choice and writing activities to reinforce understanding. Audio integration supports learners of all backgrounds. This resource is perfect for building foundational knowledge in life science and helping students connect science concepts to their everyday experiences.
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From-Senses-to-Actions
The human body is able to react quickly to things happening around us because of our senses and the way they work with the brain. Our senses include sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Each sense has special parts called receptors that notice changes in the environment. For example, your eyes have receptors that detect light, and your skin has receptors for touch and temperature.
When something happens, like touching a hot stove, your skin’s receptors send a message called a signal through special cells called neurons. These neurons are like tiny wires that carry information very quickly. The signal travels to your brain, which acts like the control center of your body.
The brain receives the signal and quickly decides what to do. It sends a message back through other neurons to your muscles, telling them to move away from the danger. This whole process is called a response. The thing that causes you to react, like the hot stove, is called a stimulus.
This system helps keep us safe and lets us enjoy the world. For example, if you smell smoke, your nose’s receptors send a signal to your brain, and you know to move away or get help. Animals use their senses and responses in similar ways to find food or escape danger.
Without our senses and the nervous system, we would not be able to respond quickly to things around us. This amazing teamwork between the senses, brain, and muscles helps us survive and do everyday activities.
Interesting Fact: Some responses, like blinking when something comes near your eyes, happen so fast that the message does not even go to the thinking part of your brain first!
What is a sense organ example?
EyeHeartLungStomach
What carries signals in the body?
NeuronsBonesVeinsMuscles
What is a stimulus?
Something causing a reactionA type of muscleA kind of neuronPart of the stomach
Why do we move from a hot stove?
To protect ourselvesTo eat foodTo sleepFor exercise
How does a signal reach the brain?
Through neuronsThrough musclesThrough skinThrough bones
What would happen if you could not feel pain?
You might not avoid dangerYou could taste betterYou would run fasterYou would see more
Touching something hot is safe. True or false?
TrueFalse
What is the control center of the body?
BrainSkinHeartMuscle
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