TV on a Rolling Cart

Why do we have allergies?

From Mystery Doug

Why do we have allergies?
5 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScienceHealth
access

Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why do we have allergies?" -- and follows the clues. An allergy is your immune system overreacting -- treating something harmless, like pollen, as if it were a dangerous invader. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages

Helpful background if your class includes students with allergies.

Common Sense Media — not yet ratedIMDb Parents Guide — not yet rated

Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.

Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why do we have allergies?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about allergy, 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: allergy, immune system, pollen.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Why do we have allergies?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.

Why do we have allergies? — TV on a Rolling Cart