Science: Watching A Beating Heart


     As we worked through our unit on Human Body Systems, I found a super-easy and super-affordable activity - always a winner for me! - to help us understand the work of the circulatory system.
     I purchased a bag of marshmallows (yes, we're going to eat them) and a box of toothpicks.  That's it! We washed hands and put down a clean tissue/napkin/paper towel on each desk.  I passed out the marshmallows and toothpicks.  I firmly cautioned students about using the toothpicks carefully and appropriately. 
     Students pushed the toothpick about halfway into the marshmallow and placed this "apparatus" on the inside of their wrist.  This took some serious calming down and getting quiet to keep the apparatus in place!  The point is to see the toothpick "jiggle" or "bump" with each heart beat. 
     Results were mixed.  Some students had to hunt around for a good spot on their wrist.  Once we got going, I timed 15 seconds while students counted their heart beats.  We multiplied by four to approximate our heart rate per minute.
     As you can see from the pictures, I used large marshmallows.  We wondered whether smaller marshmallows might yield different results - would it be easier to see the jiggles?  My students would really like to try it out!


 Have you tried this or a similar activity?  I'd love to hear your comments!
Growing Grade By Grade
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37 comments:

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    1. u like cheese or chess? PS. WHO WHAT IN THE WHERE NOW???

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  2. does small marsh mellows work

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  3. Thank you so much. My students will love this activity.

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  4. This will be so freaking awesome to do!

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  5. This project is going to be so cool!

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  6. does this actually work

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  8. can't wait to try it out!

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  16. "Science watching beating heart" I don't know what they're are looking, but I'm sure it is the work and grace of God to every human beings even these animals. Thanks to you, Oh God. See more about the Top Tree Pruning Spokane WA.

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  18. A very unique way of teaching and showing the work of the circulatory system.

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  19. A very interesting way of using the marshmallow in your science activity, it seems that the students enjoyed so much.

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  20. Thanks for sharing this post. So interesting!
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  21. What a sweet and creative way to learn about the circulatory system! It's incredible how simple materials like marshmallows and toothpicks can provide such a hands-on and engaging experience. Keep up the fantastic work, and here's to more fun and effective teaching methods like this one!

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  23. I tried a similar activity at my niece's science-themed birthday party last year, and we used jelly beans instead of marshmallows. The kids were over the moon seeing their heartbeats in such a fun and interactive way!

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  24. I fondly recall a similar activity using grapes, but the marshmallow twist is an exciting new variation. Do you think the marshmallow's texture affects the results compared to other materials? Would using differently shaped or sized marshmallows provide more accurate readings?

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  26. Wow, what a delightful and engaging activity! Reading about your marshmallow and toothpick experiment brought a big smile to my face. Imagining the students carefully placing the "apparatus" on their wrists and eagerly counting their heartbeats must have created a truly joyful atmosphere in the classroom. I can only imagine the excitement and curiosity that arose when considering the possibility of using smaller marshmallows for even more visible jiggles. Your students are fortunate to have such a creative and enthusiastic teacher like you!

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  27. Reading about your marshmallow and toothpick experiment brought back memories of my own science class. I remember the excitement and anticipation as we delicately placed the apparatus on our wrists, hoping to witness the toothpick jiggle with each heartbeat. Although my results were mixed like yours, the sheer joy of discovering how our circulatory system worked made it all worthwhile. Thank you for sharing this fantastic idea, and I can't wait to try it out with my own students!

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  28. This activity sounds both engaging and educational! Imagining the students carefully placing the toothpick on their wrists to observe the heartbeat is quite a vivid image. I can picture the excitement and curiosity in the classroom as they explore the circulatory system in this hands-on way. Kudos to Pat McFadyen for sharing such a creative teaching method!

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  31. What a creative and engaging way to explore the circulatory system! Pat McFadyen's marshmallow and toothpick activity not only makes learning about the human body systems fun but also provides a hands-on experience for students. Imagining the classroom filled with the anticipation of feeling their own heartbeat through this makeshift apparatus brings back memories of my own school days and the excitement of interactive learning. Kudos to Pat for sharing such a simple yet impactful teaching method!

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[name=Pat McFadyen] [img=https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsQ2WGbGKhw/WpNrBnYYvfI/AAAAAAAATcs/Gbqf3hYwwjwX2smDpvLCmtgfWB3ur47mACLcBGAs/s1600/Pat.jpg] [description=My purpose is to support YOU and your students with practical solutions and curriculum materials that teach, play, practice, and assess.] (facebook=https://www.facebook.com/GrowingIn5thGrade/)

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