Lesson Plan Title : Mapping the Circulatory System

Age Range: Grade 3 through grade 5 (Elementary)

Overview and Purpose: Students study the path of the circulatory system in this activity. They trace each other's bodies and use them to label the path of blood in the circulatory system.

Objective: The student will be able to use an outline of the human body to map out the direction the heart pumps blood through the body.

Resources:

Diagram showing the circulatory system and blood flow of the human body

Outline of their body on butcher paper

Colored pencils/markers

Activities:

Have the students trace each other's bodies on butcher paper. They can use the outline of their body to create a diagram showing how blood is circulated throughout the body. They should differentiate between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood by using red and blue colored pencils. They should also label major arteries and veins. These diagrams can be displayed around the room or in the hallway.

Wrap Up:

You could extend this activity by having students write a short story about what it is like to take a ride on the circulatory system. They could include a description of their travels in oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.