Understanding the Heart

Introduction

Curriculum Level: A-Level Physical Education (UK)

Subject Focus: Human Biology - The Circulatory System

Duration: 25 minutes

Class Size: 18 students

Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate understanding of the heart’s structure, its functions, blood flow, and related aspects of the circulatory system.

Lesson Outline

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Objective: Engage students and activate prior knowledge.
• Activity: Quick discussion. Ask students:
  • What do you know about the heart and its functions?
  • Can anyone describe the path that blood takes through the heart?

2. Core Activity: Worksheet Test (15 minutes)

• Objective: Assess students' understanding of the heart and circulatory system via a worksheet.
• Distribute the worksheet, which contains 20 questions related to the heart and circulatory system. Encourage quiet, independent work.

Worksheet Test - Sample Questions

Heart Structure

1. Name the four chambers of the heart.
2. What is the role of the atria?
3. Describe the function of the ventricles.
4. Define the septum’s role in the heart.
5. Explain what is meant by cardiac muscle and its importance.

Heart Functions

6. Describe the primary function of the heart.
7. Explain the role of valves in the heart.
8. What is the sinoatrial node, and why is it important?
9. Define cardiac output and how it is calculated.
10. Describe the significance of coronary arteries.

Blood Flow

11. Trace the path of blood starting from the right atrium.
12. What is pulmonary circulation?
13. Explain what systemic circulation is.
14. How does oxygenated blood differ from deoxygenated blood?

Circulatory System Overview

15. Define the circulatory system's main roles in the body.
16. Distinguish between arteries, veins, and capillaries.
17. Explain what is meant by blood pressure.
18. How does exercise affect heart rate?

Miscellaneous

19. What is the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on the heart?
20. Describe how the heart adapts to regular physical exercise.

3. Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Collect worksheets.
• Briefly discuss any challenging questions from the worksheet test.
• Reinforce the importance of understanding how the heart functions, especially in relation to physical education and overall health.

Assessment

• Worksheet will be marked after class, providing feedback for each student.
• Teachers should note common areas that were challenging to inform future lessons.

Resources Needed

• Printed worksheets with 20 questions.
• Pens/pencils for each student.

Teacher's Note

Ensure to maintain an encouraging and supportive atmosphere during the test. Review and revisit concepts from the test in the following class to consolidate students' learning. Engage students with real-life applications of how knowledge of the heart and cardiovascular health directly impacts physical performance, well-being, and fitness planning in their A-Level Physical Education studies.