The Human Circulatory System: Blood and Blood Vessels Explained for Pupils
The Human Circulatory System II — Blood and Blood Vessels (Primary 6 Basic Science Lesson Plan)
Subject: Basic Science
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 10–11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Period: Single Period
Topic: The Human Circulatory System II
Sub-topic: Blood, Blood Vessels and Circulation Types
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define blood clearly.
- Identify and describe the components of blood.
- Explain blood vessels and their functions.
- List and describe the three types of blood vessels.
- Differentiate between pulmonary and systemic circulation.
Keywords and Meanings
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blood | The red fluid that flows through the body carrying oxygen and nutrients. |
| Arteries | Vessels that carry blood away from the heart. |
| Veins | Vessels that carry blood to the heart. |
| Capillaries | Tiny vessels that connect arteries and veins. |
| Circulation | The continuous movement of blood around the body. |
| Oxygenated Blood | Blood rich in oxygen. |
| Deoxygenated Blood | Blood low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide. |
| Cardiac Muscles | Muscles that make the heart pump blood. |
| Valves | Parts inside veins that prevent blood from flowing backward. |
| Systemic Circulation | Movement of blood from the heart to all body parts and back. |
Set Induction — The Heart Story
Teacher begins with a relatable story:
“Imagine you are running a race on the school field. You feel your heart beating fast and your face turning red. That’s because your heart is pumping blood faster — sending oxygen to your muscles like a delivery van sending goods to every shop in town. Today, we’ll discover how that happens inside your body!”
Entry Behaviour
Pupils already know about the human heart and its function as a pump from the previous lesson on The Human Heart and Its Functions.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Charts showing blood vessels and circulation.
- Plastic tubes (for artery and vein demonstration).
- Red and blue beads (representing oxygenated/deoxygenated blood).
- Flashcards for key terms.
Building Background Knowledge
Learners have studied the heart and its role in pumping blood. This lesson connects that understanding to how blood travels through vessels around the body.
Embedded Core Skills
- Observation
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work (Basic Science, Primary 6)
- Stan Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools, Book 6
- UBE Curriculum Guide for Basic Education
Instructional Materials
- Charts and diagrams of the circulatory system
- Flashcards with terms
- Model of human heart (if available)
Lesson Content
1. Meaning of Blood
Blood is a red liquid that flows through the body. It carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials.
Components of Blood:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): Fight germs and infections.
- Platelets: Help blood to clot when there’s a cut.
- Plasma: The yellowish liquid that carries all cells.
2. Blood Vessels
Blood vessels are tubes that carry blood throughout the body.
Types of Blood Vessels:
- Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.
- Examples: Aorta, Pulmonary artery.
- Veins: Carry blood to the heart.
- Examples: Vena cava, Pulmonary vein.
- Capillaries: Tiny vessels that connect arteries and veins.
- Examples: Found in skin, muscles, lungs, and kidneys.
3. Blood Circulation
The circulatory system helps blood move round the body.
Two Types:
- Pulmonary Circulation:
- Blood flows from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.
- Systemic Circulation:
- Blood flows from the heart to all other parts of the body and returns.
4. Real-Life Examples
- When you run, blood moves faster to your muscles.
- After eating, blood carries nutrients from the stomach.
- When you breathe in, oxygen enters the blood.
- When you get a cut, platelets stop the bleeding.
- White blood cells fight off germs when you fall sick.
Teacher’s Activities
- Revises the previous topic on the heart.
- Displays diagrams and charts of blood vessels.
- Explains functions of blood components.
- Guides learners to identify artery, vein, and capillary on chart.
- Encourages participation and corrections.
Learners’ Activities
- Observe charts and participate in class discussions.
- Answer questions orally.
- Label diagrams in notebooks.
- Work in groups to name and describe blood vessels.
Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs + Answers)
- Q: What is blood?
A: The red fluid that flows through our body. - Q: What are blood vessels?
A: Tubes that carry blood through the body. - Q: Name three types of blood vessels.
A: Arteries, veins, and capillaries. - Q: Which blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?
A: Arteries. - Q: Which one brings blood back to the heart?
A: Veins. - Q: What connects arteries and veins?
A: Capillaries. - Q: What is circulation?
A: The movement of blood around the body. - Q: What is pulmonary circulation?
A: Blood flow between the heart and lungs. - Q: What is systemic circulation?
A: Blood flow between the heart and the rest of the body. - Q: What prevents blood from flowing backward?
A: Valves in the veins.
Evaluation Questions
A. Multiple Choice (Fill in the Blank)
- Blood flows through tubes called __________.
(a) Veins (b) Bones (c) Blood vessels (d) Arteries - The red fluid that flows in the body is __________.
(a) Water (b) Blood (c) Juice (d) Oil - Arteries carry blood __________ the heart.
(a) To (b) Away from (c) Near (d) Behind - Veins carry blood __________ the heart.
(a) To (b) Away from (c) Behind (d) Outside - Tiny vessels that connect arteries and veins are __________.
(a) Capillaries (b) Valves (c) Tubes (d) Arteries - Circulation means the __________ of blood.
(a) Mixing (b) Movement (c) Colour (d) Sound - Blood rich in oxygen is called __________.
(a) Bad blood (b) Oxygenated blood (c) Deoxygenated blood (d) Used blood - Muscles that pump blood are called __________.
(a) Cardiac muscles (b) Arm muscles (c) Leg muscles (d) Chest muscles - The type of circulation between the heart and lungs is __________.
(a) Systemic (b) Pulmonary (c) Internal (d) External - Valves prevent blood from __________.
(a) Flowing backward (b) Flowing faster (c) Mixing (d) Clotting
B. Short Answer Questions
- What is blood?
- Mention two components of blood.
- What is the main function of red blood cells?
- Define blood vessels.
- List the three types of blood vessels.
- What connects arteries and veins?
- What is circulation?
- Mention two types of circulation.
- Which vessel carries blood away from the heart?
- State one function of valves.
Conclusion
Teacher summarizes by saying:
“Our blood is life. It moves through arteries, veins, and capillaries — keeping every part of us alive. The heart is the engine, and blood is the vehicle. Without circulation, no part of your body can survive.”
Teacher goes round to mark and give feedback.
Assignment
Draw and label a simple diagram of Blood Circulation in Humans in your notebook.
Internal SEO Links
- Basic Science Primary 6 Lesson Note on Circulatory System
- Primary 6 Basic Science First Term Examination Questions