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Students measure their heart rate at rest and after exercise. Record data in their science journals and discuss why heart rate changes.

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By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the major parts of the human heart
- Explain the flow of blood through the heart's chambers
- Connect cellular organization to heart function
- Create and interpret models of the circulatory system

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MS-LS1-3: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems
MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole
MI.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7: Integrate visual information with other information in print and digital texts

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Using an interactive online simulation, students will explore the structures of the heart. Special education accommodation: Provide labeled diagrams and simplified vocabulary lists.

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In this interactive, you can label parts of the human heart. Drag and drop the text labels onto the boxes next to the diagram. Selecting or hovering over a box will highlight each area in the diagram.

In this interactive, you can label parts of the human heart. Drag and drop the text labels onto the boxes next to the heart diagram. If you want to redo an answer, click on the box and the answer will go back to the top so you can move it to another box. If you want to check your answers, use the Reset Incorrect button. This will reset incorrect answers only. When you are happy with your selection, use the Check answers button to check them. Use Reset All to practise again from the start. Selecting or hovering over a box will highlight each area in the diagram.

For optimal viewing of this interactive, view at your screen's default zoom setting (100%) and with your browser window view maximised.

See the Labelling the heart activity for additional support in using this interactive.

Parts of the heart

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In this interactive, you can label parts of the human heart. Drag and drop the text labels onto the boxes next to the diagram. Selecting or hovering over a box will highlight each area in the diagram.

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Using Padlet's collaboration features, students work in pairs to create detailed diagrams of the heart, labeling major structures and blood flow paths. Partners provide feedback to each other.

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Students create a hierarchical diagram showing how cardiac cells form heart tissue, which forms the heart organ, which is part of the circulatory system. Extension: Research different types of heart cells.

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What Are The Levels Of Organization In The Body - Organization Of The Human Body

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Extension Activity: Heart Health Research

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Extension Activity: Heart Health Research

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Advanced students research and present how lifestyle choices affect heart health. Create infographics using online tools.

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The American Heart Association say staying active, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep can help kids stay healthy now and for a lifetime

DALLAS, August 22, 2023 - As summer wraps up and kids head back to the classrooms, it's important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health, according to the American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make for some hard lessons in poor heart health in the future.

In a 2022 study in the journal Circulation, researchers reported that most children and adolescents in the U.S. scored poorly for overall cardiovascular health. Less than 30% of kids ages 2 to 19 met high healthy heart standards according to American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metrics that define levels of heart health based on diet, physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and quality of sleep. The study showed that heart health decreased considerably as kids got older, with high cardiovascular health reported in:

56% of two-to-five-year-olds;

33% of six-to 11-year-olds; and

14% of 12-to-19 year-olds.

Overall, kids were experiencing higher body mass index, increased blood pressure and eating less nutritious foods, all risk factors for poor heart health. Obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, continues to be a major public health threat for children in all age groups, and, according to the American Heart Association's 2023 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update has nearly quadrupled from about 5% in the 1970s to 14.5% in 2020. At the same time, school aged children are surrounded by entertainment from video games on their smartphones to shows on television. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they spend between six and nine hours in front of screens each day, reducing time being physically active.

"Our habits in adulthood begin in childhood, and we know that a sedentary lifestyle that's spent in front of screens and not being outside, having fun with friends and being physically active puts children at a variety of health risks," said Federico Asch, M.D., a volunteer member of the American Heart Association's Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee, a cardiologist at MedStar Health and a professor of medicine at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. "Once the school year starts, kids tend to have less free time and may navigate toward less active habits such as watching TV and playing video games. This is especially true as kids get older and no longer have scheduled gym classes or recess and don't take part in organized or school sports."

Federal guidelines recommend children and teens ages 6 to 17 get at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day, including more intense activities at least three times a week.

Healthy eating is also important for growing kids. Once the busy school year starts, many may skip breakfast in the morning and if the family doesn't have a scheduled mealtime, they may be grabbing unhealthy snacks on the go after school and munching on junk food while engaging in that screen time in the evenings.

Even sleep can significantly impact a child's health. Adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases. Children require more sleep than adults, with recommendations for kids including:

10-16 hours for ages 5 and younger, including naps;

9-12 hours for ages 6-12;

and 8-10 hours for ages 13-18.

The American Heart Association suggests a few tips for helping keep kids heart-healthy:

Schedule family time for physical activity. Weather permitting, go outdoors for a walk, a hike or even just some backyard games. Indoor activities can actually incorporate active screentime, like playing a dance-off or interactive sports video game.

Plan a weekly menu and prep your meals. Encourage kids to help with meal planning and even grocery shopping. Make sure you have on hand foods they will eat that are also healthy for them. Taking the time to prepare for the week ahead - even cutting up fruits and veggies for healthy snacks - can help improve overall diets.

Simplify your family's schedule. In today's society we're expected to do it all. But this type of non-stop lifestyle isn't sustainable or healthy. Try prioritizing your activities and see what you can do without so you'll have more time for the things that matter. You can also work on ways to manage stress.

Set a regular bed time - and wake-up time. Develop bedtime routines to wind down after a busy day. While it may be unrealistic to expect older kids to turn in early, have them to turn off their phones and other devices prior to bedtime. Encourage them to develop their own rituals for a good night's sleep - and trying to catch up on the weekends doesn't count.

Live by example. Be a role model for healthy behaviors. It doesn't mean you have to change-up everything at once, set goals and take baby steps. Teaching your kids about heart health now will help them live longer, healthier lives for their own future.

"It can be a challenge for busy working parents to find ways to keep their kids active and help them develop healthy habits. We know lifelong heart health begins in childhood, so it's important to make the effort," Asch said. "Switch off the TV and limit video game time and instead go outside to toss a ball or take a walk. Schedule regular family dinner time as often as possible and encourage your kids to help in the meal planning. Simple steps can make a big difference and will set them up for a lifetime of good health."

Learn more about the importance of heart health at heart.org.

Additional resources:

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For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Cathy Lewis: cathy.lewis@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 ( 242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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DALLAS, August 22, 2023 - As summer wraps up and kids head back to the classrooms, it's important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health, according to the American Heart Association, the world's leading...

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Using colored paper and basic materials, create a simple model showing blood flow through the heart. Color-coding helps visualize oxygenated vs. deoxygenated blood.

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Heart model with paper | Heart model making | Heart model for science projects | DIY

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Throughout the lesson, use digital exit tickets to check understanding of key concepts. Questions focus on heart structure identification and blood flow patterns.

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Using Padlet's presentation features, students create and share mini-presentations explaining how the heart connects to other body systems.

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Interactive quiz covering heart structure, function, and cellular organization. Includes diagram labeling, multiple choice, and short answer questions.

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Take this quiz about the circulatory system, which sends blood throughout your body.

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Students share: 3 things they learned, 2 things they found interesting, 1 question they still have about the heart.

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Guide students in connecting today's learning about the heart to their daily lives and overall health.

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Students track their physical activity and heart rate for one week, making connections to heart function.

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Complete online review activities about heart structure and function.

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Ummmmmmm . . . it's pretty self explanatory . . . you label the heart. Just remember one thing - you're looking at the heart like it's in someone else so right and left are switched around.

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Interview a family member about heart health and create a family heart health plan.