Know it! - Heart and the Circulatory system - Year 6

The intricacies of the human heart and its pivotal role in the circulatory system are explored in an educational activity designed for Year 6 students. The heart, a vital organ, functions as a pump that circulates blood throughout the body, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and other waste products. To consolidate their understanding, students engage in retrieval tasks, such as the 'Cops and robbers' game where they have two minutes to jot down their own knowledge about the heart, followed by a minute to 'steal' insights from peers, enhancing their learning through collaboration. This interactive approach not only reinforces their existing knowledge but also encourages the sharing of information and critical thinking about the heart's operation and significance.

Learners are also tasked with labelling diagrams of the heart, identifying its four chambers – the left and right atria and ventricles – and understanding how these parts function together in the circulatory process. Further activities test their knowledge of blood, including its composition, quantity in the body, common blood types, and the speed of circulation. To deepen their comprehension, students are challenged to explain terms related to the circulatory system, with increasing point values for more complex concepts, and to speak authoritatively on topics such as the differences between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, the role of veins and arteries, and the importance of haemoglobin. These exercises not only solidify their grasp of the subject matter but also develop their ability to articulate and share their understanding with others.