Learn why physical activity is important and how different kinds of exercise help the heart, muscles, bones, mood, and energy level.
Read each problem carefully. Write your answers in complete sentences when possible. Show your thinking in the space provided.
How exercise helps your body and mind stay healthy
Health - Grade 4-5
- 1
List three ways regular physical activity can help your body stay healthy.
- 2
Your heart beats faster when you run or play a fast game. Explain why this happens.
- 3
Circle the activity that is mostly aerobic exercise: stretching your arms, jogging around the playground, lifting a heavy backpack one time, or sitting and reading. Explain your choice.
- 4
Match each activity to the type of fitness it helps most: push-ups, toe touches, and bike riding. Use the choices strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- 5
A student says, "I only need to exercise if I want to play sports." Write a response that explains why this idea is not correct.
- 6
Look at this weekly activity plan: Monday 20 minutes walking, Tuesday 30 minutes soccer, Wednesday 0 minutes, Thursday 15 minutes dancing, Friday 25 minutes biking. How many total minutes of physical activity are listed for the week?
- 7
Name two safety habits that can help prevent injuries during physical activity.
- 8
Explain why warming up before exercise is helpful.
- 9
A class has recess for 20 minutes. Maya spends 5 minutes tying her shoes, 10 minutes playing tag, and 5 minutes sitting. What fraction of recess did Maya spend being active?
- 10
Choose the better after-school plan for fitness and explain why: Plan A is 45 minutes of outdoor play and 30 minutes of screen time. Plan B is 10 minutes of outdoor play and 2 hours of screen time.
- 11
Describe how physical activity can help your mood or your brain.
- 12
Give one example of a strength activity and explain which muscles it uses.
- 13
Give one example of a flexibility activity and explain why flexibility matters.
- 14
A student wants to build endurance. Should the student choose a 2-minute slow stretch or a 25-minute brisk walk? Explain your answer.
- 15
Write a simple goal for being physically active this week. Include the activity, how long you will do it, and how many days you will try it.