Investigating the Circulatory System

Curriculum Area

Science (Key Stage 2, Year 6) – Animals Including Humans
Aligned with the National Curriculum for England, this lesson covers the circulatory system, focusing on the function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Additionally, the lesson incorporates art to support learning through creative visual representation.

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Lesson Duration

60 minutes

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify and describe the key components of the circulatory system.
2. Understand and explain the function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
3. Create an anatomical diagram, illustrating the circulatory system using mixed media.
4. Work collaboratively to present their artistic representations and explain their learning.

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Materials Needed

• Large sheets of A3 paper
• Red and blue string/wool (to represent veins and arteries)
• Coloured pencils, markers, or paint
• Glue and scissors
• Heartbeat monitor app (if available)
• Printed circulatory system diagrams for reference

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Lesson Outline

Starter Activity (10 minutes) – Feel Your Heart

1. Ask students to find their pulse on their wrist or neck.
2. In pairs, they count their heartbeat for 30 seconds, then double the number to find their beats per minute (BPM).
3. Discuss: What might affect how fast or slow our heart beats? (e.g., exercise, excitement, resting state).
4. Introduce the circulatory system with an engaging, brief animation or teacher-led explanation.

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Main Activity (35 minutes) – The Artistic Circulatory System

Step 1: Draw the Outline (5 minutes)

• Each group of 3-4 students draws a life-sized outline of a human on A3 paper.
• Label the heart, veins, arteries, and major organs that interact with the circulatory system.

Step 2: Build the Circulatory System (15 minutes)

• Using red wool for arteries and blue wool for veins, students create a visual representation of blood circulation.
• Glue the wool in place and ensure arrows indicate the direction of blood flow.
• Challenge: Assign different students to explain oxygenated vs deoxygenated blood.

Step 3: Create Artistic Representation of Blood (10 minutes)

Each student draws and colours different components of blood:

• Red blood cells (oxygen transport)
• White blood cells (fight infections)
• Platelets (help with clotting)
• Plasma (carries nutrients)

Glue these cut-out drawings onto the circulatory system diagram.

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Plenary (15 minutes) – Interactive Gallery Walk

1. Groups will rotate around the room, viewing each other's work.
2. Each group explains their diagram for 1 minute to another group.
3. Class discussion: What surprised you about the circulatory system?
4. Closing thought: Why is understanding our circulatory system important for a healthy life?

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of discussions during group work.
• Accuracy of circulatory system diagrams and labelling.
• Student explanations during the gallery walk.
• Exit question (on a sticky note):
  "One new thing I learned today about the circulatory system is..."

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Extension Activity (For Early Finishers)

• Create a storyboard following the journey of a red blood cell through the heart, lungs, and body.
• Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a white blood cell—describe your day protecting the body.

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Teacher’s Note

This hands-on, artistic approach helps consolidate scientific understanding through creativity. Engaging both logical and creative thinking will enhance learning retention.

💡 Challenge your students: Can anyone explain the connection between the circulatory system and another body system (e.g., respiratory system)?

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Why This Lesson Stands Out

🔹 Multi-sensory learning – Touching, seeing, and building enhances engagement.
🔹 Cross-curricular approach – Blending art and science deepens understanding.
🔹 Collaboration and discussion – Encourages teamwork and communication.
🔹 Personal connection – Feeling their own heartbeat makes the science personal and real.

This lesson brings science to life in a way that is memorable, fun, and impactful! 🚀