Online Lessons
We Got The Beat
- Big Idea: Function and structure of the heart
- Type of Activity: Modeling the human heart and its role in the circulatory system; designing an engineering solution to heart valve disease
- Length of Activity: 2-3 class periods
- Group Size: Classroom setting, groups vary (individuals, pairs, whole group)
- Space Needed: Classroom
- Grades: Middle school (6-8)
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
- Big Idea: Life Science/Health - Cardiovascular diseases, connection to lifestyle choices, and disease prevention
- Type of Activity:
Section 1: Case study with class discussion
Section 2: Develop and implement personal health plan as a scientific investigation - Length of Activity:
Section 1: 1-2 class periods
Section 2: 2 class periods with extended at-home investigation - Group Size: Some individual work, some group work (2-4 students)
- Space Needed: Classroom equipped with PowerPoint or overhead projector
- Special Considerations: Weight can be a sensitive issue with youth, particularly as they are changing physically. Be aware of your students' individual situations (e.g. an overweight student, or one with an eating disorder). Focus on positive steps to improve health and emphasize an optimum level of caloric intake.
- Grades: Grades 5-8. There are extension activities for fast paced learners.
Unbreak My Heart
- Big Idea: Bioengineering - Students investigate a heart problem case study, and subsequently create models of both the problem and a possible bioengineering solution.
- Type of Activity:
Activity 1a (stand alone): Case study analysis of a heart problem
Activity 1b: Building models of problems and solutions
Activity 2 (stand alone): PowerPoint lesson on the broad field of bioengineering - Length of Activity:
Activity 1a: 1 class period
Activity 1b: 3 class periods
Activity 2: 1 class period - Group Size:
Activity 1: 2-4 students per group
Activity 2: Lecture and discussion activity - Space Needed: Classroom
- Grades: Middle school (6-8)
Guy Simplant: GS2-073 The Case of the Ailing Heart
An Internet-based/CD-ROM program that focuses on the risks for heart disease, steps for improving heart health, and bioengineered solutions to repair the heart.