Learn all about oxygen in a fun and easy way! Understand why oxygen is important for breathing, how it helps living things, and where it comes from.
Oxygen is a gas that is all around us. Even though we can't see it, it is very important for almost all living things on Earth. Oxygen is what we breathe in every time we take a breath!
Our bodies need oxygen to live. When we breathe in air, oxygen goes into our lungs and then into our blood. The oxygen helps our cells make energy so we can run, play, and think.
Plants make oxygen! Through a process called photosynthesis, plants take in sunlight and carbon dioxide and then release oxygen into the air. This is why trees and plants are very important—they help keep the air fresh and full of oxygen.
About 21% of the air we breathe is oxygen!