Contextualization
The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is a complex and fascinating system to study. This system is responsible for transporting substances, such as oxygen, nutrients, and hormones, to all parts of the body. It also plays a vital role in removing metabolic waste, such as carbon dioxide and urea, from our bodies.
Our circulatory system is made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart, as a tireless muscle, pumps blood around our bodies countless times throughout our lives. And it is the blood, on its constant journey through our bodies, that delivers the nutrients and oxygen that our cells need to live and function.
In our study, we will delve into the details of the circulatory system, learning about each of the components, their functions, how they relate to each other, and how they work together to keep our bodies functioning efficiently.
Why is the Circulatory System Important?
The circulatory system is a key part of our body's functioning. Without it, the cells, tissues, and organs in our body would not receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to perform their vital functions. In addition, metabolic waste would not be efficiently removed, leading to intoxication of the body.
Approaching the circulatory system is also a way of raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle - a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and preventing addictions such as smoking are all factors that contribute to cardiovascular health.
To deepen your knowledge of the circulatory system, we recommend the following resources:
- Circulatory System (Khan Academy)
- Cardiovascular System
Practical Activity
Activity Title: "The Amazing Journey of Blood"
Project Objective:
To understand the path that blood takes through the systemic and pulmonary circulation and how this relates to the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues and the removal of metabolic waste.
Detailed Project Description:
This project involves creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human circulatory system using everyday materials.
Students will work in groups of 3 to 5 and will be encouraged to diversify the roles within the group, including a coordinator, a rapporteur, a researcher, a builder, etc.
This project requires more than 12 hours of work per student and will include research, planning, model building, preparing a written report, and an oral presentation.
Materials Required:
- Modeling clay in different colors.
- Barbecue skewers.
- Cardboard.
- Markers.
- Scissors.
- Glue.
- Paint and brushes.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Research: The group should research each of the components of the circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, blood) and the processes involved in the system (systemic and pulmonary circulation, transport of nutrients and oxygen, removal of metabolic waste).
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Planning: Based on the research, the group should sketch out a design for the three-dimensional model of the circulatory system, indicating where each component will be located and what material will be used for each.
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Construction: Using the modeling clay, barbecue skewers, cardboard, markers, and glue, the group should build the 3D model of the circulatory system as planned.
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Written Report: While construction is underway, group members should begin working on the written report, which should include: Introduction (contextualizing the topic, relevance, and objective of the project); Development (explaining the theory of the components of the circulatory system and the processes involved, the methodology used, and discussion of the results); Conclusion (reviewing the main points and making explicit the learning outcomes) and Bibliography used.
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Oral Presentation: Each group should prepare a 10-15 minute presentation explaining the functioning of the circulatory system using the model they built.
Project Deliverables:
Students must submit:
- The three-dimensional model of the circulatory system.
- The written report, which should be supplemented with photos of the model at different stages of construction.
- Oral presentation of the project to the class.
The written report is a crucial part of this project, as it is where students will explain the theory behind the components and processes involved in the circulatory system that they represented in their model. The report should be detailed and well-structured, and should include the research sources used. It is also important that students use the correct and specific language of biology and science when describing the circulatory system.
The oral presentation is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the content and their communication skills. Each member of the group should participate in the presentation.
