What Are Reflexes and Why Matter — Reading Comprehension
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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 engaging science reading passage for Grade 4-5 students explains what reflexes are, how they work, and why they are important for our safety and survival. The passage uses simple language and clear explanations, introducing key terms such as 'reflex,' 'nervous system,' 'spinal cord,' and 'automatic response.' Real-life examples, such as pulling your hand away from something hot or blinking when something comes near your eyes, help students connect science concepts to everyday life. The passage aligns with NGSS standards for understanding the human body and systems. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz and writing prompts that encourage students to explain scientific concepts, make connections to daily life, and analyze cause and effect. The passage and activities are audio-integrated and suitable for classroom or independent study. Keywords featured include reflexes, nervous system, survival, and more. This resource is perfect for building foundational science literacy and vocabulary.
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What-Are-Reflexes-and-Why-They-Matter
Reflexes are quick, automatic actions that your body does without you thinking about them. They help keep you safe and help your body work properly. When you touch something very hot, your hand pulls away fast. You do not have to decide to move your hand—your body does it automatically! That fast action is called a reflex.
The part of your body that controls reflexes is called the nervous system. The nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Nerves are like tiny wires that send messages between your body and your brain. When you touch something sharp, nerves in your skin send a message to your spinal cord. The spinal cord tells your muscles to move your hand away even before the message reaches your brain. This helps you react quickly and avoid injury.
Some common examples of reflexes are blinking when something comes close to your eyes, coughing if something tickles your throat, and your knee-jerk response at the doctor. Reflexes happen the same way every time because they are automatic. They do not need you to think or make a choice.
Reflexes are important because they protect us. Animals also have reflexes that help them survive, like jumping away from danger. Our bodies use reflexes to help us move fast and stay safe in many situations.
Interesting Fact: Some reflexes, like blinking and breathing, happen all day and night—even when you’re asleep!
What is a reflex?
A fast, automatic actionA slow, careful movementA kind of muscleA type of food
What controls reflexes?
Nervous systemBonesStomachHeart
Which is a reflex example?
BlinkingThinkingEatingSleeping
Why do reflexes help us?
They keep us safeThey help us sleepThey help us eatThey make us laugh
What happens if you touch something sharp?
Nerves send messages to moveYou have to think firstYou stay stillYou get hungry
What do animals use reflexes for?
To surviveTo growTo flyTo sleep
Blinking is a reflex.
TrueFalse
What is the nervous system?
Body's message systemPart of your footA kind of foodA type of animal
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