It’s so easy to make this working model of the heart! Craft this DIY pumping heart model with your kids for an easy and informative science experiment. With just a few supplies, you can create your very own pumping heart model for some STEM fun at home. This makes a great science lesson in the classroom, too. Enjoy!
DIY Pumping Heart Model
I used to be a teacher, so I have long had a soft spot for activities that would go great in a classroom. After Frugal Coupon Living took off, I never made it back to the classroom. Even so, my love for teaching little ones never left me! I always jump at the opportunity to make some easy science experiments with the kids on the weekends. They have fun AND learn something new, so it’s a perfect way to spend some free time in my book. Instead of teaching your kids about the human body with videos or books, let them create their own working heart model to keep them totally engaged! Hands-on activities are some of the best ways to get kids to learn valuable information and have it stick.
This pumping heart working model project doesn’t take long, but is SO cool! Plus, you probably already have all of the necessary supplies lying around your house. If not, all of the tools can easily be found at your local dollar store! Don’t spend a ton to teach your kids. I love when I can create fun experiments for the kiddos that barely cost a thing. You may even be able to identify a future doctor in your family or your class!
How does this pumping heart model work?
The human heart has four separate chambers, and this working model of the heart represents one of the heart’s chambers. The heart’s chambers pump blood into the body’s arteries, as demonstrated by the model. Every chamber has an entry point, known as the atrium, and an exit chamber, known as the ventricle. Both of these work continuously, pumping blood to keep it flowing through the body. To stop blood from going back into the chambers of the heart, valves close when the blood exits. The balloon acts as a valve in our pumping heart model, which prevents blood that exits the chamber from reentering the chamber. To make this clear to the kids, try removing the balloon from the equation and see what happens to the water.
Add this pumping heart model experiment to your weekend plans to give your kids their daily dose of STEM. It’s important to peak their interest in science and math at an early age. Who knows — it might inspire your little ones to pursue a future career in the medical or science fields!
Let me know how much you and your kiddos absolutely love this easy science experiment in the comments below. Have fun!
Questions to ask the kids:
- Where does the water stop inside the straws?
- Does water travel up inside of the covered straw?
- Does the water return to the jar when the balloon is released?
Supplies you’ll need to make a working heart model:
- One large mason jar
- 2 balloons
- 1 to 2 cups water
- Food coloring, if desired (we recommend using red, of course!)
- 2 bendy straws
- Tape
- Scissors
- Rimmed tray or casserole dish
Directions:
First off, mix your food coloring and water, if you choose to add it. Pour the water into the jar.
Next, cut one balloon in half. Discard the bottom/side with the opening of the balloon.
Then place the remaining piece of the balloon loosely over one of the straws. Secure the cut edge to the straw with tape. Set aside.
On the other balloon, cut the balloon in half to remove the narrow neck part of the balloon. Stretch the remaining part of the balloon over the mouth of the jar. Cut two tiny slits in the balloon. Secure the balloon’s cut edge to the jar with tape.
Pressing the balloon to make the holes slightly larger, push the bottom of each straw through a hole in the balloon.
On the straw without the attached balloon cap, bend the neck so the top points down.
Next, place the jar in a rimmed baking sheet or casserole dish.
To make the model heart work, press down on the balloon stretched over the jar. Water will flow through the uncovered straw. The straw with the balloon cap will inflate.
You’re done! You created your very own pumping heart model.
Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final STEM Activities for Kids Pumping Heart Model. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!
Looking for more science experiments for the kids? Check out our STEM Projects for Kids! Pin to Pinterest.
Having some science fun doesn’t have to take hours! Take a look at these 5 Minute Science Experiments for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
