Basic 2 · Science · Earth Science
Uses of Air
In this topic you will learn the many ways we use air.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name uses of air
- Show that air can push and lift things
- Explain why we need air
What you already know
- Air is all around us (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Cycles
- Sub-strand
- Earth Science
- Indicator
- B2.2.1.4.2 – Identify uses of air
Introduction
Breathe in and out. You are using air! We also use air to fill tyres, fly kites and dry clothes.
1. Uses of Air
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| breathing | people and animals breathe air |
| filling things | tyres, balls, balloons |
| flying | kites, birds, aeroplanes |
| drying | wind dries clothes |
| cooling | a fan blows air on us |
| burning | fire needs air to burn |
| floating | life jackets and swim floats hold air |
2. Air Helps Fire
Cover a burning candle with a cup. The flame goes out because the air is used up.
Safety: Only do fire experiments with your teacher.
New words
- breathe
- To take air in and out of the body.
- kite
- A light frame that flies in the wind.
- pump
- A tool that pushes air into things.
- float
- To stay on top of water.
Summary
- We need air to breathe.
- Air fills tyres and balls, and helps kites and aeroplanes fly.
- Fire needs air to burn.
Class activity: Air at Work
- Blow up a balloon and let it go. Watch it fly.
- Push an empty bottle into water and watch the bubbles.
- List the uses of air you saw.
You need: Inflated balloon, Empty plastic bottle, Basin of water
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. What do we fill tyres with?
- A. Air
- B. Water
- C. Sand
- D. Oil
Show answer
Answer: AirTyres are pumped with air.2. Why does a candle go out when covered?
- A. The air is used up
- B. It gets wet
- C. It is too cold
- D. It gets dark
Show answer
Answer: The air is used upFire needs air to burn.3. We need air to breathe.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAll living things need air.4. Kites fly without wind.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseKites need moving air.5. A tool that pushes air into a ball is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: pumpPumps push air.6. Name three uses of air.
Show answer
Answer: Any three: breathing, filling tyres, flying kites, drying clothes, burning.Air has many uses.
Homework
- Make a paper fan or windmill. Use it to show moving air.