10 Circulatory System Activities and Projects for Kids

Upper elementary and middle school 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.

Note: This blog post contains resources from my TpT store and my Amazon Associate store.

10 Free Ideas and Strategies for Teaching the Circulatory System

1. Interactive Diagrams

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 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

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

Have students measure their heart rates before and after various activities (e.g., sitting, walking, running). This can lead to discussions about how the circulatory system responds to physical activity.

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.

6. Role-Playing Activity

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. Interactive Notebooks

Use interactive notebooks to have students create foldables and diagrams of the circulatory system. This hands-on activity can reinforce their understanding and provide a useful study tool. Please click HERE to see a printable circulatory system interactive notebook in my store.

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.

Implementing these ideas can make learning about the circulatory system engaging and memorable for your students. 

If you're looking for more human body resources, be sure to check out my printable teaching materials designed specifically for grades 5-7!

BONUS #1:

Free Circulatory System Video with an Interactive Quiz at the End.

Please click HERE to download.

Bonus #2:

Just right click to copy and print the diagram.

If you enjoyed these free activities, you may also like this money-saving bundle:

Please click HERE to preview.

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Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find valuable resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!