TV on a Rolling Cart

Why can't fish breathe on land?

From Mystery Doug

Why can't fish breathe on land?
5 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why can't fish breathe on land?" -- and follows the clues. Fish breathe with gills that pull oxygen out of water; in air the gills collapse and can't grab oxygen, so the fish can't breathe. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why can't fish breathe on land?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about gills, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: gills, oxygen, water.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Why can't fish breathe on land?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.