The Circulatory System as an Obstacle Course

 

In Physical Education classes the children learn the importance of keeping fit.  It is often difficult for them to understand how exercise outside the body helps keep the heart, inside their body, healthy. To assist their understanding Lakeview’s Obstacle Course takes on the appearance of a “body”.  Each student plays the part of a red blood cell traveling through the arteries and veins of the Circulatory System.  

Oxygenated blood – represented by red bean bags – is carried by the red blood cells from the lungs to the left side of the heart, through the valves to the aorta – the largest blood vessel in the body.  Students pick up a job card that tells them which part of the body needs the oxygen they are carrying.  The card is color coded to assist in following the correct path to the brain, left hand, right hand, left foot or right foot.

 After completing the assigned job, students drop off the oxygen and pick up carbon dioxide – represented by blue bean bags – and carry it through the veins to the right side of the heart and then to the lungs where it is exchanged for oxygen.  

During the unit, lessons are presented on good nutrition and examples of high cholesterol – in the form of smaller yellow hoops – are placed as additional obstacles.  

 

Also, the effect of tar build-up from smoking is shown when large black tires are piled up in the lungs making it more difficult for the carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange.

The students enjoy the Obstacle Course and are able to learn valuable Health and Science lessons at the same time.

                                     

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