Practical Science - November 2022

This term, we have been considering the role of the human circulatory system. We began by identifying and naming the components of the circulatory system: the heart, blood vessels and blood before going on to make our very own 'blood smoothies'! Having learnt about the four components of blood and their respective roles we went on to write our own definitions of blood. We then posed the question, 'How is blood transported around the human body?' and considered how the structure of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) relates to their function before considering the role of the heart in the circulatory system. Having looked at the structure of the heart we had great fun bringing the journey of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to 'life' through 'movement' to and from the 'heart, lungs and bodily organs and tissues'. Our exploration of the heart culminated in a 'hands on' practical activity during which we handled and dissected pig hearts. Here we are identifying and exploring the aorta, the vena cava and comparing the thickness of the right and left ventricle. We asked whether the tricuspid valve was composed of three separate valves or three valve leaflets and found ourselves 'digging deep' to reveal that it does indeed have three leaflets. How cool to be able to answer our scientific questions through a hands on experience. With resident experts Mrs Fox and Mr Ferguson on hand to guide our scalpel blades and our eyes a truly informative, inciteful and inspiring afternoon was had by all!