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Book 10, Question 76 · Video

Why Do People Say You Have Five Senses, or Even More?

Video · 1:51 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 10

People say you have five senses because long ago, we named the big five: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. But your body has other sensors working quietly all day. So the nu

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do people say you have five senses, or even more?

The Big Idea

People say you have five senses because long ago, we named the big five: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. But your body has other sensors working quietly all day. So the number depends on how you group them!

The Big Five

Step one: meet the classic five. Eyes see, ears hear, your tongue tastes, your nose smells, and your skin feels touch. Each one sends messages to your brain.

Hidden Senses

Step two: find the hidden senses. Your inner ears sense balance, so you can walk without falling. Sensors in your muscles and joints tell your brain where your arms and legs are.

Skin Feelings

Step three: notice the feelings in your skin. You sense heat and cold, and you sense pain, which warns you to be careful. If something hurts or worries you, tell a grown-up.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! First, the big five, which you use every minute. Next, balance, which keeps you steady. Then body position, which tells you where your hands are. And temperature, which tells you what is hot or cold.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some scientists count nine senses, and others count even more. Your balance sense lives in tiny fluid-filled tubes inside your ears. Your brain blends all your senses into one big picture. Some bodies sense the world differently, and every body is special.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Make a list of extra senses, like balance and knowing where your arms are. Try to add two more of your own. Then share it with someone you love!

Outro

You have way more than five senses. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this