Have you ever noticed that when one person yawns, everyone around suddenly starts doing it too? Yawning is one of those funny little things we all do but did you know it’s actually a fascinating peek into how our brains work, how we connect with others, and maybe even how we keep our heads cool? Literally.

Welcome to this fun, totally doable, science-at-home adventure: The Yawn Chain Experiment. No fancy kit needed - just your faces, a bit of curiosity, and perhaps a few well-timed “YAAAAAWNs” thrown in for good measure.

WHY ARE YAWNS SO CONTAGIOUS?

Scientists aren’t entirely sure why we yawn (or why it spreads like wildfire across a room), but there are some brilliant theories:

• It might help cool down our brains when they’re overheated or tired.

• It’s been linked to empathy and social bonding, which is why we’re more likely to “catch” a yawn from a family member than from a stranger.

• Yawning could be our body’s nudge to reset attention when we’re bored, tired, or trying to stay alert.

In other words: it’s not just about being sleepy - it’s deeply social and a little bit magical.

Here’s a cool short video you can watch with the kids to kick off your exploration: SciShow Kids “Why do we yawn?”

THE YAWN CHAIN EXPERIMENT TO TRY AT HOME

This is a perfect child-led science experiment. No explosions. No mess. (Unless someone drools mid-yawn—fair warning.)

What You’ll Need:

• A few family members or friends (the more the yawnier)

• A timer or stopwatch (or just count in your head)

• A notebook or scrap of paper to jot things down

Step-by-Step:

1. ASK A QUESTION
   Do yawns spread from person to person? Who is most likely to catch one?

2. MAKE A PREDICTION
   “I think Mum will yawn first!”
   “I bet the dog yawns too!”
   Write down your guesses.

3. OBSERVE & EXPERIMENT

   Choose one person to start the chain. Ask them to do a BIG, slow, dramatic yawn (theatrical flair encouraged).

   Everyone else should try not to yawn—just watch.

   Count how many people yawn within the next minute or two.

   Repeat with a different person starting the yawn. Does it make a difference who begins?

4. RECORD WHAT HAPPENS
   Tally up the yawn count! Who yawned? How quickly? Did anyone resist?

4. DISCUSS TOGETHER
   Who was most contagious?

   Did younger siblings yawn more than older ones?

   Did you yawn while reading this post? (Be honest.)

Optional Add-Ons for Curious Kids:

• Make a comic strip showing your “Yawn Chain” in action - draw each yawn in order!

• Test different times of day - are yawns more contagious at bedtime?

• Try it with your pet (dogs and chimps have been known to yawn socially!)

• Take it to the zoo on your next visit and see if you can spot a yawn among the primates.

More Questions to Keep the Curiosity Rolling:

• What else is contagious besides yawns? (Smiles? Laughter? Moods?)

• Why do you think social animals, like humans or wolves, might share yawns?

• Can you resist a yawn if you try really hard? (Try it. Report back.)

A NOTE FOR THE BIG KNOWMADS (Yes, You)

If you found yourself yawning just reading this, you’re not alone. Consider this your body’s kind nudge: you’re allowed to rest too. Yawns are gentle cues from your brain saying, “Hey, maybe take five?” Notice them. Honour them. Lie down in a sunbeam if you can find one.

TRY IT AND TELL ME!

I’d LOVE to see the Yawn Chain Comics, funniest moments, or even heroic attempts at yawn resistance. Post them and tag me, or reply to Your Weekly MAP email and I might share them with other Knowmads families!

✨ And, if you haven’t yet, grab your FREE copy of the Question Quest Journal, perfect for recording all your family’s curious explorations. Get it here.