Vocabulary
What does contagious mean in the text?
Something that spreads from person to person.
Which muscles get exercise when you laugh?
Belly, back, leg, face, and even the heart.
What happens when you laugh a lot?
Your muscles tighten and relax like exercise.
Name two different words for laughter given in the passage.
Giggle, snicker, cackle, guffaw, hoot, or chuckle.
Why does the passage say “laughing is good for you”?
Because it makes you feel great and improves health.
What does endorphins mean in the text?
Chemicals your body makes that help fight sickness.
What happens to your heart when you laugh hard?
It beats faster, giving your heart exercise.
Why might laughing make you cough or hiccup?
It helps clear your breathing path and get rid of germs.
True or False: Laughter only affects your stomach muscles.
False – it affects many muscles, including the heart.
How is laughter like medicine?
It helps fight germs and keeps you from getting sick.
What does expansion mean in the passage?
Growth or increase in size.
Why might you feel tired and out of breath after laughing?
Because your body just had a workout.
What does your brain do when it hears someone else laugh?
It triggers your face muscles to get ready to laugh.
Why might scientists say laughter is “contagious”?
Because when one person laughs, others are likely to laugh too.
Why might laughter be more powerful when shared?
Because it builds friendships and spreads positivity.
What word describes the action of muscles tightening and relaxing?
Contracting
What happens when your body makes more endorphins?
It fights germs better and keeps you healthy.
Why do people laugh together in groups?
Because laughter is contagious and spreads.
How is laughter both good for the individual and for groups?
It makes one person healthier and helps groups bond.
Do you think laughter can really replace exercise? Why or why not?
BIG JEOPARDY (2X)
Why do scientists think laughter connects to “social networks”?
Because contagious laughter helps people build friendships and connect.
Why is laughter compared to rowing a boat or riding a bike?
Because it gives your body a workout similar to exercise.
How can laughter help prevent you from getting sick?
It increases endorphins, which fight off harmful germs.
What unusual body reactions can laughter cause?
Coughing or hiccups.
If you were a scientist, what new experiment would you create about laughter?
BIG JEOPARDY (2X)