Yakima WATERS Mini Lesson
Circulatory System
Targets and Assessment
WA Science Standards Addressed:
 9-12 SYSA - Feedback is a process in which the
output of a system provides information used to
regulate the operation of the system. Positive
feedback increases the disturbance to a system.
Negative feedback reduces the disturbance to a
system.
 9-12 SYSB - Systems thinking can be especially
useful in analyzing complex situations. To be
useful, a system needs to be specified as clearly as
possible.
 9-12 SYSD- Systems can be changing or in
equilibrium.
Lesson Parameters
Content Area: Biology
Assessments:
Suggested Time: 1:45 minute period.
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
 Demonstrate the use of new vocabulary by
answering Jeopardy questions correctly.
 Complete circulation work sheet for 14 points.
Special Materials:
 1 computer that has powerpoint and
internet access.
 3 answer buzzers (optional).
Overview: Students will use an online
Jeopardy game to test their knowledge of how
blood flows through the heart, electrical signal
conduction, and deciphering EKG peaks.
Grade Level: 9-12
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Students will practice new circulatory system vocabulary, be able to trace blood flow in heart, label parts of
the heart, and describe how signal conduction occurs.
Skill: In this lesson students gain exposure to:
 The circulatory system.
 Team work.
 Note taking.
Science Concept Background:
The heart is an important organ responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body and receiving
deoxygenated blood from the tissues. In mammals oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood are kept separate, but
in reptiles and amphibians the two types of blood mix. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart and
nourish the body. Veins carry de-oxygenated blood from the tissues to the heart. Oxygenation of the blood
occurs in the lungs. Heart attacks can occur when cholesterol clog arteries and maybe repaired using a bi-pass.
The heart beat is initiated by the sinoatrial node (the pace maker) and transferred into the ventricles by the
atroventricular node. The PQRST peaks on an EKG can be explained by the contraction of the atrium and
ventricles.
Materials:


1 computer that has powerpoint and internet access.
3 answer buzzers (optional).
Procedure:
Key Questions: (1) How does blood flow through the heart? (2) What do the peaks on the EKG mean? (3) How
does the heart keep its rhythm?
Begin class with a lecture using the “Heart Powerpoint”. Give the students 5-10 minutes to fill in the “Blood
Flow through Heart” worksheet. The remaining 30 minutes of class play the Jeopardy game on line.
Extension(s): This lab can be followed by a cow heart dissection. Cow hearts can often times be donated by a
local butcher or slaughter house. Washington Beef of Toppenish donates beef hearts in the Yakima vicinity.
Teaching Tips: Encourage students to practice good note taking skills as it will help them in completing the
diagram and in the Jeopardy game.
Safety: Use caution during Jeopardy, extreme competition could arise!
Supplements: See attached “Blood Flow through Heart” worksheet and “Heart Powerpoint” (Jeopardy website
at the end of powerpoint or go to http://jeopardylabs.com/play/circulatory-system-the-heart).
Author: Melissa Reitz, Yakima WATERS Project, CWU, Winter 2011