Use this heart model STEM project for kids to have a hands-on approach to anatomy! You only need a few simple supplies and very little prep to make this fun heart pump model! Life science can be fun when we use experiments like this one and like this Candy DNA Model!

HEART MODEL PROJECT

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HEART MODEL SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Learning about the body is one of the most interesting things for kids and adults alike! Our bodies are incredible and have so many different parts that work together to keep us healthy and alive.

This heart model experiment is an excellent way to teach kids about how blood pumps through the heart. In this experiment students learn about valves, chambers, the atrium, the ventricle, and how the lungs play a part too!

WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND THIS HEART PUMP MODEL?

There are sections of the heart called ‘chambers’. The top chambers are called the atrium, which holds the blood that returns to the heart from the body and lungs.

The bottom chambers are the ventricles, which squeeze and pump blood out of the heart. In this model, the first bottle is the atrium and second is the ventricle. The last bottle represents your body/lungs.

There are also controls called ‘valves’. In this model, our fingers act as the valve. Blood only flows in only one direction, from the right side of the heart, to the left side of the heart. It travels from the body into the heart, to the lungs to be oxygenated, back into the heart, then back out into the body.

Extend the Activity: Try some more experiments at home with this big list of ideas!

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Download our science journal pages to get started today! For complete printable instructions for this project, consider our Science Project Pack!

MAKE A HEART MODEL PROJECT

You probably have most of what you need for this project sitting around your house or classroom, making this easy to do without a lot of prep work! While you are at why not also make a lung model or a DIY stethoscope.

Watch the video:

SUPPLIES:

  • 3 water bottles
  • 4 bendy straws
  • Tape
  • Drill
  • Food coloring
  • Water
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HEART PUMP MODEL EXPERIMENT SET UP

STEP 1: Drill one hole in one of the water bottle caps, and two holes in the other. No top on the third.

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STEP 2: Mix red food coloring and fill two bottles 80%. We used red food coloring to help students visualize the blood, but you could use other colors too.

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STEP 3: Attach two bendy straws and tape together. Repeat for second set of straws. Make sure all edges are sealed around the tape for the best results.

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STEP 4: Push the straws through the bottle caps and place on the two bottles with water. (see photo below). Place other straw into empty bottle.

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STEP 5: Seal the areas around each cap/straw connection with play-doh. We used blue, but color doesn’t really matter here. Just fill anywhere air or liquid could escape.

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STEP 6: Pinch the middle where the straws join between the first and second bottle, and then squeeze and release the middle bottle of water.

The water (blood) should flow into your empty bottle, your body and lungs, and then when released, flow from the atrium to the ventricle.

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What were some observations you made? How did the pressure of the valves (your hands) make a difference in the way the heart model worked? Could you see the blood travel from one place to the next?

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY

MORE FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

The number of fun science experiments you can do with materials you likely have on hand is infinite! Try some of these after you’ve made your heart model!

Printable Science Projects For Kids

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