Function of the heart
I can describe what the human heart is and what it does.
Function of the heart
I can describe what the human heart is and what it does.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The heart is a hollow, muscular organ located behind the breastbone and slightly to the left of your chest.
- The average heart is approximately the size of a human fist and some say its shape is similar to an upside down pear.
- The function of the heart is to pump blood to all parts of your body.
- Your heart will beat around 115,000 times each day.
- Models can be used to help us to learn about the human heart.
Keywords
Organ - An organ is a part of the body that does a particular job, such as the brain, heart and lungs.
Function - The function of an organ is its job within the body.
Heart - The heart is an organ that pumps blood around the body.
Blood - Blood is pumped around the body by the heart.
Model - A model is used to describe something that cannot be experienced directly.
Common misconception
Children often think that the function of the heart is to make or clean blood. Also that the heart is 'love heart' shaped.
The model making in this lesson helps children to think about which objects and materials they can use to represent the heart and demonstrate how it pumps blood around the body.
Equipment
See additional materials for further guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
sight
smell
touch
taste
hearing
pumps blood around the body
help you to breathe
breaks down food
control centre for the body
Exit quiz
6 Questions
muscle
chambers
chest
body
valves