Upper elementary and middle school science teachers will find 10 free activities, games printables, and projects to help their students learn about the circulatory system within a human body systems unit.
Before we begin, please
for a Circulatory System Interactive Notebook Project
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Today, I want to talk about one of the most important systems in our bodies—the circulatory system. It’s such a fascinating topic, but it can be tricky to teach younger students without making it feel dry or complicated. So, I’ve come up with 10 creative activities that will make teaching the circulatory system fun and easy to understand. These ideas are perfect for the classroom or homeschool setting and can be adapted to fit different learning styles. Plus, I’ve got a few awesome resources to help you out, including a Circulatory System Interactive Notebook Project, a free quiz and video from my TPT store. Let’s dive in!
10 Free Ideas and Strategies for Teaching the Circulatory System
Draw a life-size outline of a human body on butcher paper, then use red and blue yarn to map out the pathways of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood through the body. Have students place cutouts of the heart, lungs, and major veins and arteries along the outline. This visual activity helps students see how blood flows through the body and why the circulatory system is so vital.
Use online interactive diagrams to help students visualize the circulatory system. Websites like InnerBody provide detailed, interactive maps of the human body, allowing students to explore different components of the circulatory system.
2. Classroom Models
Create a simple balloon pump model to demonstrate how the heart pushes blood through the body. Use a balloon as the “heart,” connected to straws that represent arteries. As students squeeze the balloon, they’ll see how the heart contracts to move blood through the vessels, reinforcing the concept of the heart as a pump.
You may also create or purchase a 3D model of the heart and blood vessels. This hands-on tool can help students understand the structure and function of the circulatory system. You can even use everyday materials like clay, yarn, and plastic tubing to build your own model.
3. Blood Flow Simulation
Make the components of blood come to life with a sensory activity! Fill a clear zip-lock bag with materials to represent red blood cells (red water beads), white blood cells (mini marshmallows), platelets (yellow beads), and plasma (light corn syrup). This tactile project allows students to visualize the different parts of blood and what they do.
You may also conduct a blood flow simulation activity. Use red and blue food coloring, water, and a simple pump system (like a hand pump or syringe) to demonstrate how blood moves through the heart, lungs, and body.
4. Heart Rate Experiments
Divide students into two teams and create a relay race to simulate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Each team represents either oxygen-rich or oxygen-poor blood traveling through the body. The students race from the "heart" to the "lungs" (or back to the body), passing off their oxygen (represented by a small ball or object). This kinesthetic activity shows how oxygen is picked up and dropped off throughout the body.
Divide students into two teams and create a relay race to simulate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Each team represents either oxygen-rich or oxygen-poor blood traveling through the body. The students race from the "heart" to the "lungs" (or back to the body), passing off their oxygen (represented by a small ball or object). This kinesthetic activity shows how oxygen is picked up and dropped off throughout the body.
5. Educational Videos
Show educational videos that explain the circulatory system. YouTube channels like CrashCourse and Khan Academy offer comprehensive and engaging videos on the topic. Follow up with discussion questions to reinforce learning.
Organize a role-playing activity where students act as different parts of the circulatory system (e.g., heart, lungs, blood cells). This can help them understand how each component works together to circulate blood throughout the body.
7. Formative Assessment and Video
7. Formative Assessment and Video
This short worksheet works well as a pretest, formative assessment, or quiz. Click HERE for a free download.
8. Field Trip
If possible, organize a field trip to a local science museum or a hospital. Many science museums have exhibits on human anatomy, and hospitals sometimes offer educational tours that explain medical procedures related to the circulatory system.
9. Circulatory System Games
Use online games and quizzes to make learning about the circulatory system fun and interactive. Websites like BrainPOP and Scholastic offer games that teach about the heart, blood vessels, and overall circulatory function.
Free Online Matching Game by SoftSchools.com. Click the picture.
10. Guest Speaker
Invite a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor, to speak to your class about the circulatory system. They can provide real-life examples and answer students' questions, making the topic more relatable and engaging.
Otherwise, here is a free reading comprehension passage and diagram from the National Library of Medicine.
Bonus #1:
Just right click to copy and print the diagram.
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