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How does your heart pump blood?

Heart, Body, Structure & Function
4.8 (14797 reviews)
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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What exactly is the heart doing when it beats?

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How does your heart pump blood?
Heart, Body, Structure & Function
4.8 (14797 reviews)

Featured Reviews

“This went hand-in-hand with our health unit for this month. My students LOVED the video!”
· Kim · Teacher
“The content was informative, easy to use, and the students were engaged and excited while learning about their hearts!”
· Susan · Teacher
“Students were engaged and enjoyed seeing a "real" heart on Valentine's Day!”
· Shannon · Teacher
“The silence of each of my science classes as they counted their pulses- they were so engaged!”
· Alexis · Teacher
“Loved the way the kids reacted when they took their pulse after exercising. They were amazed at how fast their hearts pumped blood. It is also an awesome way to connect a holiday with Science!”
· Kathy · Teacher
“The kids loved the animations of the heart inside the body, and noticing that their heartbeat changes after exercise. Some had never taken their pulse before and were thrilled they could figure it out. ”
· Lindsay · Teacher
“The students were very excited to learn how to check their pulse, and I've never heard a class so quiet like when they were counting their pulse for 30 seconds! It was great!”
· Lauren · Teacher
“Students ranging in all English proficiency levels were engaged.”
· Patricia · Teacher
“Honestly the art project, the kids loved it. This was a very engaging lesson overall though!”
· Jessica · Teacher
“The demonstration with the rubber ducky and water to simulate a pumping heart really helped my students visualize the process of a heartbeat. ”
· Sarah · Teacher
“The focus on Valentine's Day was put on something very real and important. Thank you for adding another level of meaning for me and my students!”
· Palacios · Teacher
“The best part was how easy it was and the fact that my students were so engaged. I truly love this website and can't wait to continue exploring!”
· Patricia · Teacher
“The best part is my 7 year old daughter got right into it.She has a few learning disabilities but she loved this.We spent about 1.5 hours going through this mystery and trying different things and not once did i hear "uggg.....im bored"”
· Missy · Homeschooler
“The best part was having the students feel their own pulse and practice pumping their fists to mimic their hearts pumping. ”
· Ashley · Teacher
“My kids LOVED this lesson! They enjoyed counting the heart beats and identifying exactly how big their heart was. Fantastic resource. ”
· Amanda · Teacher
“The best part was reading what the students wrote about afterwards...very impressed with what they learned!”
· Toni · Teacher
“My students loved this lesson! They enjoyed learning what the human heart actually looks like compared to the heart shape they usually see. By the end of the day, my students were explaining to other students (who missed the lesson) what it means when the heart beats--blood is being pushed through the arteries. Amazing lesson!”
· Leanne · Teacher
“The best part was the class pumping the paper heart and then getting tired. They really understood how hard their heart works and talked about how important it is to take care of it. They loved making the Valentine to their heart after that. It was very powerful motivation to be healthy for them. Thank you!”
· Lisa · Teacher
“The students loved this activity. It was relevant on valentine's day and since we are unable to give parties and food items due to allergies it was a great way to learn and have fun!”
· Andrea · Teacher
“Just enough craft to make the kids happy and entertained, but not too much work for mom. The different level options were also wonderful and very helpful”
· Brigid · Homeschooler
“My class enjoyed learning about how hard the heart has to work. They were so impressed after only squeezing for one minute and getting worn out, that a heart never stops beating throughout your entire life! ”
· Stephanie · Teacher
“My students LOVED this activity! They were amazed to learn that the heart never gets to take a break. It certainly made them more thankful for their heart.”
· Jennifer · Admin
“This was a great lesson! So interactive. My principal did an informal walk through at the time and loved it! Very engaging!”
· Lisa · Teacher
“My students were very engaged and loved the lesson!!!!!will definitely be using this lesson again next year.”
· Lilia · Teacher
“My students are asking to watch the video daily!!! Thank you!”
· Sandy · Teacher
“Even my 5th graders loved this lesson!”
· Kelly · Teacher
“Each student liked a different part; counting your pulse, squeezing the paper, making your heart beat faster, etc.”
· Audrey · Teacher
“The students enjoyed it so much and were very receptive to learning. We did the rubber duck experiment and used straws to represent the blood vessels. They truly got the concept!!!!”
· Cindy · Teacher
“My students love combining art and science”
· Summer · Teacher
“Thank you so much for doing seasonal mini lessons. They are fun and easy to fit in our busy week!”
· Ann-Marie · Homeschooler
“The animation of the heart beating was the best part.”
· JoAnn · Teacher
“So much fun. Used it with a grade 7 group. They had lots of prior knowledge so I added some harder discussion questions in there. Turned out to be a great review from their grade 5 and 6 curriculum. ”
· Danielle · Teacher
“Loved it, but students had at hard time finding their pulse. Our school nurse came to the room and showed them how to find their pulse in their necks which was easier so for younger students, so you may want to add that to the lesson. ”
· · Teacher
“The heart activity, seeing an actual heart pumping, and learning to count our heart beats. Elijah loved the rubber duck analogy to the heart. :)”
· Veronica · Teacher
“Excellent science tie in with St. Valentine's day! excellent visuals, materials and resources...my first graders loved learning about their heart!!”
· Claudia · Teacher
“They loved the glass frog and learning more about their heart. The activities are always creative and hands on. One of my stoic kiddos even said, "This is really cool!"”
· Katja · Teacher
“I love how the lesson guided the students naturally through everything. Educational and also a nice break from the student's having to listen to my voice. ”
· Megan · Teacher
“Very appropriate for Valentine's day! Even managed to tied it in to our health and science topics.”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“My first graders loved it, short and to the point! And many moments of surprise and appreciation for their heart!”
· Jolene · Teacher
“I teach students with profound special needs. They really liked the noise of the heart and it gave us a chance to count. We couldn't complete all of it due to limited fine motor skills, but it was still fun!”
· Erin · Teacher
“We enjoyed seeing how the heart pumps. We loved seeing the Glass Frog. We loved learning that the heart isn't shaped like the heart we draw!”
· Elizabeth · Teacher
“This activity generated some GREAT discussion among the students. My 5th Graders started making connections to why stints and bypass surgeries are sometimes needed.”
· Laura · Teacher
“Exercising to increase our heart rates. Also, the part where the kids squeezed the paper ball as fast as a heartbeat. It was exhausting! :)”
· · Teacher
“I like that it was broken down step by step so that it was easy to lead the lesson with my class of kindergarten and first graders.”
· Natalie · Teacher
“The step-by-step directions, the pace of the lesson and the materials”
· Kimberly · Teacher
“Loved teaching students how to take their pulse. They were so excited to feel their own heart beat!”
· Michelle · Teacher
“Seeing the students be absolutely silent while they were checking their pulses.”
· Ben · Teacher
“I taught this for 1st-6th grade science on Valentines Day. They loved it!”
· Katie · Teacher
“Kids really liked this lesson. It was a great way to break up my, always crazy, Valentine's Day. Thank you!”
· Daniel · Teacher
“Students were engaged and excited. They learned how to take their pulse and they were surprised that could feel it.”
· Debbie · Teacher
“Kiddos LOVED this activity!!!!! They beg for Mystery Doug”
· Becky · Teacher
“The step by step, clear video instructions and easily assessable activity! My class loved it. ”
· Tiffany · Teacher
“Students loved it. Great quiet activity in the middle of a crazy day. ”
· · Teacher
“This was an eye-opener learning experience for the students, and how apropo....Valentines Day! They learned so much about their heart and its function...step by step, clear explanations, and hands-on activity to retain and reflect information.”
· Sarah · Teacher
“Loved the video! The duck was such a great visual that the students could relate to. ”
· Tammy · Teacher
“Loved it, even though my LCD was down. Kids watched my little laptop while sitting on the rug and were so engaged. Thank you”
· Belinda · Teacher
“My 4th graders enjoyed seeing what an actual heart looks like and why they can feel the heartbeat. Their highlight from the lesson was being able to feel their pulse and count how many times they felt it beat. ”
· Andrea · Teacher
“It was interesting and fun! They loved learning about the real heart and finding their pulse. What a great way to tie science to their everyday life.”
· Holly · Teacher
“Having the students find their own pulses... challenging, engaging, and meaningful!”
· Nichole · Teacher
“The students loved seeing images of the heart, especially in the Glass Frog!! They also enjoyed finding their own heart rate after running in place. Fantastic lesson.”
· Michele · Teacher
“The kids loved the interactive lesson. The squeezing of the paper to represent the hearts work was an eye opening experience for my students and it led to the discussion of the importance of the heart and that the heart was such a strong muscle. ”
· · Teacher
“Perfect activity for Valentine's Day! absolutely loved it!!! ”
· Carrie · Teacher
“The activity/mystery was great! We did it on Valentine's Day for P.E and it connected really well!”
· Corine · Teacher
“The kids and I loved it! It was active and hands on! I love the leveled activities at the end as well. Thank you!!”
· Kathy · Teacher
“I actually did it with a group of teachers and administrators, to show them how engaging the lessons are and how easy they are to teach.”
· Anna · Admin
“Best Valentine's Day activity ever!”
· Elena · Teacher
“My students were very involved in this lesson! For me as a teacher, I enjoyed how each step was broken down and that there were slides to help explain what we were doing along the way!”
· Jessica · Teacher
“My kindergarteners loved learning about the topic in general, but it was very fun for them to find their pulse and they really enjoyed finding the heart that fit their fist. It was a great hands-on lesson!”
· Jill · Teacher
“The Valentine to your heart activity made for a non-traditional valentine card that all students could participate in.”
· Tracy · Teacher
“Everything went well. In fact the students were taking their pulse rates the next day. Great blend of science, art, and Valentine's Day. ”
· Barbara · Teacher
“My students were engaged! These lessons are great alternatives to movies at class parties : ) ”
· Caitlin · Teacher
“counting the beats after we danced”
· Natividad · Teacher
“Kids were engaged and continued to check their pulses after the activity was done.”
· Monica · Teacher
“The students absolutely LOVED learning about their heart! What a wonderful way to tie it in to the valentine holiday too!”
· Michelle · Teacher
“My class was amazed by how hard the heart works! This was a great activity!! I used the upper grades cards with my first graders and it went really well.”
· Katie · Teacher
“My students enjoyed finding their pulse and counting the beats. Most of them had not seen what a real heart looks like before this Mystery. Thanks for always inspiring my students to stay curious!”
· Corina · Teacher
“My class liked learning about the heart and exercising in class! ”
· Whitney · Teacher
“The kids loved learning about their heart! Finding their pulse was a great challenge that they enjoyed. Some students loved seeing the real heart models; some were so grossed out (which was entertaining to me. It made me think; who among them might become doctors?”
· Marlena · Teacher
“My fourth graders LOVED this! They were motivated to take part in the discussions because the subject matter was presented in such a way that it caught and held their attention the entire time. The handouts were just right. I didn't have them cut just 1/4 out and crumple the rest; I just had them squeeze their fist without the paper and it had the desired effect. Thanks so much and Happy Valentines Day Doug!!”
· Laura · Teacher
“This was an excellent lesson. My students really connected with finding their pulse. They were so interested in the facts that were covered as well. This was a perfect lesson to help them calm their excitement on Valentine's Day. ”
· Rashanda · Teacher
“Seeing how the blood moves in and out of the heart.”
· Kelly · Teacher
“The kids loved learning about their hearts! The valentine was fun to complete and we loved finding our pulse. It was top notch!”
· Marita · Teacher
“Students replies: "The best part was testing out how hard a heart works with your hand" "The best part was finding our pulse" "The best part was making a valentine card" "The best part was learning about the heart" "The best part was seeing what a heart looks like" (It think is safe to say they LOVED this Mystery Doug!)”
· Karen · Teacher
“jumping in place and when we got to do our own exercise to see how fast our heart beat would increase.”
· · Homeschooler
“We loved learning how fast our heart beats! We thought squeezing the paper was a great visual for how hard our heart works. We loved making the cards. We also loved experimenting by exercising. ”
· Chels · Teacher
“The demonstration of how the heart pumps by using the duck was easy for 1st graders to understand. Easy to follow lesson and appropriate for Valentine's Day.”
· Victoria · Teacher
“Minimal supplies, easy to follow directions! ”
· Monica · Teacher
“My students were so engaged with this lesson. They participated in the hands on activities. After the lesson, I let each student use a stethoscope to hear their heart beat. The look on their faces were priceless.”
· · Teacher
“We got to learn about the heart and how many times it beats a minute. Coloring the card was fun, too! Learning how to feel your pulse was amazing.”
· Pam · Teacher
“Students were amazed by the amount of effort needed to squeeze the paper. This really illustrated how hard the heart works, and helped them conceptualize strong it is being able to squeeze without stopping.”
· · Teacher
“This was fabulous! The children thought it was hilarious to give a heart to their heart! We had a blast in our health class today,and learned how to take our pulse! Very useful lesson. ”
· Yvonne · Teacher
“I loved how everything was there for me to use. The students loved learning how to find their pulse at resting and activity.”
· Amy · Teacher
“oh my students loved it and were enthralled by the video!They loved making their Valentine's card for their hearts”
· Iliana · Teacher
“My kids loved taking their pulse and seeing the model heart pump. What got them ooohing and aaaahhhing was seeing the glass frog's hearth beating. Thank you for the Valentine to their heart.”
· Alicia · Teacher
“learning about how hard working the heart is and that it isn't really a heart shape. Doing the resting test and then making the heart beat faster was fun too”
· Bonnie · Homeschooler
“My second grade students loved it!! This is the most amazing program ever! Great mini-lesson for Valentine's day!”
· Gina · Teacher
“I LOVED the step by step directions and how they repeated (for my slow listeners) I enjoyed the part where they squeezed the scrunched up paper ball,, so they can kind of see how hard their heart works for them everyday!”
· Tarah · Teacher
“nice tie in to Valentine's Day. and I love bonus activities for the mini lessons!”
· Heather · Teacher
“The best part was when you get to feel your wrists and feel your heart -Savannah”
· Ernestine · Teacher
“My students loved finding their pulse and counting their heartbeat!”
· Gena · Teacher
“ALL OF IT! I GUESS IF I HAD TO PICK ONE THING, THE LESSON ACTIVITY WITH SQUEEZING THE CRUMPLED PAPER TO SHOW HOW HARD THE HEART REALLY WORKS WAS EYE OPENING TO MY STUDENTS. THANK YOU.”
· Dawn · Teacher
“Detailed instructions for students to follow along with!”
· Megan · Teacher
“Super, my students loved this activity. Will use it all week with my 1st and 2nd graders.”
· Barbara · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this mini-lesson, students take a trip inside the body to see that the heart is a muscle, contracting and expanding to move blood through our blood vessels. In the activity, Valentine to My Heart, students make observations about their pulse and heart rate, and make an art project to show appreciation for their hard-working hearts.
Preview activity
Valentine Heart (Grades 3-5) printout Print 30 copies
Valentine Heart (Grades K-2) printout Print 30 copies
Your Heart is as Big as Your Fist (All Grades) printout Print 30 copies
Crayons
30 crayons
Glue Sticks
30 glue sticks
Scissors
30 scissors
No activity prep.

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Hands-On Activity

30 mins

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How does your heart pump blood?

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