Why Do We Blink?

About this printable Why Do We Blink science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 3-6)

This educational reading passage, "The Science of Blinking," is designed for a 4th-grade audience to explain the simple but essential reasons why our bodies blink. It aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Life Science (LS1.A: Structure and Function), focusing on how the parts of the human body function to support life. The passage uses clear and simple language to define key terms like "reflex" and "tears," explaining how blinking acts as a natural cleaning and moisturizing system for our eyes. It also describes the protective role of blinking as a defense mechanism against foreign objects. The passage includes a fun fact to make the content engaging and memorable. With audio integration, this resource is perfect for a classroom lesson on the human body, providing a comprehensive and accessible way for students to learn about an everyday bodily function they often take for granted. The multiple-choice questions at different DOK levels test students' recall, inference, and application skills.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz from Why Do We Blink

blink-eye — This picture shows the three main jobs of blinking: to keep our eyes moist with tears, to keep them clean from dust, and to protect them from harm.

Why Do We Blink?

Every minute, our eyes blink about 15 to 20 times. Blinking is an automatic action. We do not have to think about it. Our brain controls blinking, just like it controls breathing. Actions like this are called reflexes.

But why do we blink? Blinking is one of the amazing ways our body takes care of itself. When we blink, our eyelids quickly close and open. This helps spread tears across the surface of our eyes. Tears are not just made of water. They also have oil and mucus. Together, these keep our eyes wet, healthy, and comfortable.

Blinking also helps keep our eyes clean. Every time we blink, our eyelids act like tiny windshield wipers for our eyes. They wash away dust, dirt, and even germs that could make us sick.

Blinking is a form of protection. If something comes close to your face, you will blink to protect your eyes. If you see a bright light, you blink more to help shield your eyes. Blinking helps your eyes rest and stay moist, especially when you are tired or using a screen.

You can do a fun experiment: Try to keep your eyes open without blinking. It will feel uncomfortable after a few seconds! That’s because your eyes need blinking to stay healthy.

Interesting Fact: On average, a person blinks about 12,000 times each day! That’s a lot of eye care without even thinking about it.