Body & Senses
How do we notice that we are thirsty?
The Wusels take a water break. Which signals can remind us to drink?
The short answer
Thirst is a signal that your body needs water. You notice that you want to drink; your mouth may also feel dry. People do not all notice thirst equally early, so regular opportunities to drink matter.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
Puschel is so busy playing that he almost forgets the drink break. When Flauschi fetches her cup, he notices his own thirst. They sit on the bench with water. For the next round they put their cups somewhere easy to reach.
Try explaining it
Why are drink breaks helpful during play?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)Movement replaces water loss while the game is fun.
- b)Thirst always appears at exactly the right time in everyone.
- c)You may not notice thirst early while playing.
Show the explanation
Correct: c): You may not notice thirst early while playing.
Thirst is a signal that your body needs water. You notice that you want to drink; your mouth may also feel dry. People do not all notice thirst equally early, so regular opportunities to drink matter.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
How it works – simply explained
Water is constantly needed
It helps carry substances in blood and regulate temperature. The body has no supply that lasts forever without replacement.
Water leaves the body
Urine, sweat and exhaled air lose water. Warmth or activity can increase needs. Thirst is a signal encouraging drinking.
Drinking opportunities help
People do not all notice thirst equally early. Regular opportunities matter. You need not wait for strong thirst; adults help with suitable drinks and breaks.
References for this explanation: [1]
The key points again
Discovery 1
Water is needed for many jobs in the body.
Source: [1]
Discovery 2
Sweating, breathing and toileting lose water. Thirst can signal that we need a drink.
Source: [1]
Discovery 3
Not everyone notices thirst equally early. Regular chances to drink matter especially in heat and during activity.
Source: [1]