10 Circulatory System Activities and Projects for Kids

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

10 No-Prep Circulatory System Activities for Kids

Today, let’s dive into one of the most essential systems in the human body—the circulatory system! While it might sound complicated at first, there are plenty of easy, engaging ways to teach it—no fancy materials required.

Here are 10 fun, movement-based, or visual activities that require little to no prep, perfect for your science block in upper elementary or middle school. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschool setting, these ideas will help your students understand how blood flows and the heart works—without making it feel like a textbook lesson.

Just right click to copy and print the diagram.

1. Heartbeat Hunt

Have students take their own pulse at their wrist or neck, then do a round of jumping jacks and check again. This simple comparison helps them experience firsthand how heart rate changes with activity.

Teaching Tip: Ask students, “Why does your heart beat faster after exercise?” and tie in how the heart works harder to deliver oxygen.

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2. Circulatory System Charades

Students act out roles like the heart, red blood cells, arteries, veins, and lungs. Have others guess the part and its function. This brings anatomy to life!

You may also 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.

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3. Blood Cell Tag

Play a tag-style game where “oxygen” is passed from lungs to cells. Assign students roles: lungs, heart, cells, and blood. Use small paper “O₂” symbols to pass around. It’s an active way to visualize oxygen circulation.

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.

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4. Quick Draw Challenge

Call out circulatory terms (like artery, heart, red blood cell), and have students quickly sketch their interpretation. Then compare drawings to actual diagrams for a visual learning boost.

You may also 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.

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5. Partner Quiz Show

In pairs, students take turns quizzing each other with circulatory questions. Example: “What carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?” (Answer: Arteries)

Teacher Tip: Turn it into a team competition and award points for correct answers.

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6. “If I Were a Blood Cell…” Writing Prompt

Students write a short paragraph describing their “day” as a red blood cell traveling through the body. This imaginative activity builds understanding and integrates ELA.

Here is a free reading comprehension passage and diagram from the National Library of Medicine.

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7. Clap the Beat

Use a metronome or clap a steady beat to simulate a resting heart rate. Then clap faster to simulate an increased rate during activity. This rhythmic strategy reinforces heart function.

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8. “What’s My Job?” Match-Up

Write different parts of the circulatory system on the board (heart, veins, arteries, etc.) and give each student a sticky note with a job description. They match it to the correct system part.

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9. Two-Minute Video + Discussion

Play a short, engaging video (like from SciShow Kids or BrainPOP) about the circulatory system. Pause and discuss key points. No prep, no materials—just big impact.

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10. “Stop & Sketch” Vocabulary

As you teach new vocabulary, pause and have students do quick sketches in their notebooks to represent the term. It helps reinforce science terms visually and interactively.

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Ready for More?

If your students loved these quick activities, check out this Circulatory System Interactive Notebook Bundle. 

👉 Click here to preview the full bundle – perfect for grades 4–6, ESL, and special education.

It includes:

• Sequencing cut-and-paste
• Vocabulary word work
• Task cards
• Writing prompts
• And more!

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Final Tip 

"Students remember best when they move, talk, and imagine." 

Let science come alive with experiences—not just facts!

Click HERE to view my Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

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!