Year 6 - Science
Function of the heart
The human circulatory system
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores the human circulatory system, identifying the heart, blood vessels, and blood functions. It examines how diet, exercise, drugs, and lifestyle affect body function and details nutrient and water transport in animals. Emphasis is on data recording and presenting findings.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe what the human heart is and what it does.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Children often think that the function of the heart is to make or clean blood. Also that the heart is 'love heart' shaped.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key 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.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'organ'
An organ is a part of the body that does a particular job, such as the brain, heart and lungs. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Children often think that the function of the heart is to make or clean blood. Also that the heart is 'love heart' shaped. Correction: 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.
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