Circulatory System Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Resources provide a comprehensive, student-centered approach to teaching middle school students about the circulatory system. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the circulatory system. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Complete 5E Lesson makes lesson planning effortless with a comprehensive, multi-day approach for 6th-8th grade. This student-led, low-prep lesson focuses on engaging students while covering essential questions about the circulatory system, such as its main function and organs. The lesson includes differentiated materials, multimodal learning, and maximum flexibility for both printable and digital formats.
The lesson follows the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation) with a student-led station lab that accommodates various learning styles. Nine stations cover different aspects of the circulatory system, including hands-on demonstrations, reading comprehension, research, and videos. Output stations give students opportunities to show what they’ve learned through organizing, writing, illustrating, and assessing, while the bonus "Challenge It!" station offers fun activities for early finishers.
The materials are fully editable, with resources in both English and Spanish. PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and assessments are designed for both in-class and virtual learning environments, making this a flexible and inclusive lesson plan for any classroom.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Complete 5E Lesson makes lesson planning effortless with a comprehensive, multi-day approach for 6th-8th grade. This student-led, low-prep lesson focuses on engaging students while covering essential questions about the circulatory system, such as its main function and organs. The lesson includes differentiated materials, multimodal learning, and maximum flexibility for both printable and digital formats.
The lesson follows the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation) with a student-led station lab that accommodates various learning styles. Nine stations cover different aspects of the circulatory system, including hands-on demonstrations, reading comprehension, research, and videos. Output stations give students opportunities to show what they’ve learned through organizing, writing, illustrating, and assessing, while the bonus "Challenge It!" station offers fun activities for early finishers.
The materials are fully editable, with resources in both English and Spanish. PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and assessments are designed for both in-class and virtual learning environments, making this a flexible and inclusive lesson plan for any classroom.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Station Lab offers a student-led, modular approach that keeps middle schoolers engaged in their learning. This activity allows students to explore, compare, and analyze the circulatory system with minimal teacher direction, saving you prep time. The materials provide a range of differentiated stations, including hands-on demonstrations and activities that cater to various learning styles.
The lab includes nine stations: four "input" stations (Explore It!, Research It!, Read It!, and Watch It!) introduce new concepts, while five "output" stations (Organize It!, Illustrate It!, Write It!, Assess It!, and Challenge It!) allow students to show what they've learned. Students can work independently or in small groups to complete tasks, and a bonus station provides advanced learners with additional challenges.
With digital and print options, these stations can be easily adapted for virtual learning environments. The activities include multimodal resources like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and videos, ensuring a flexible and engaging experience for all students.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Station Lab offers a student-led, modular approach that keeps middle schoolers engaged in their learning. This activity allows students to explore, compare, and analyze the circulatory system with minimal teacher direction, saving you prep time. The materials provide a range of differentiated stations, including hands-on demonstrations and activities that cater to various learning styles.
The lab includes nine stations: four "input" stations (Explore It!, Research It!, Read It!, and Watch It!) introduce new concepts, while five "output" stations (Organize It!, Illustrate It!, Write It!, Assess It!, and Challenge It!) allow students to show what they've learned. Students can work independently or in small groups to complete tasks, and a bonus station provides advanced learners with additional challenges.
With digital and print options, these stations can be easily adapted for virtual learning environments. The activities include multimodal resources like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and videos, ensuring a flexible and engaging experience for all students.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Student Choice Projects allow middle school students to showcase their understanding through creative and personalized activities. Students can select from six distinct project options or develop their own, encouraging them to explore concepts in ways that align with their strengths. A versatile grading rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment, ensuring fair and clear evaluations.
These student-driven projects are engaging and adaptable, offering multiple formats for learners to express their knowledge. Differentiated versions are available to support students who need additional guidance or extended challenges. Teachers can assign combinations of projects for advanced learners while still utilizing the same rubric, which evaluates vocabulary, concepts, presentation, clarity, and accuracy.
With only basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors required, these projects are simple to implement. Many options also include digital components, making them ideal for various learning environments. This resource provides an enriching and flexible way to deepen students’ comprehension of the circulatory system.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Student Choice Projects allow middle school students to showcase their understanding through creative and personalized activities. Students can select from six distinct project options or develop their own, encouraging them to explore concepts in ways that align with their strengths. A versatile grading rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment, ensuring fair and clear evaluations.
These student-driven projects are engaging and adaptable, offering multiple formats for learners to express their knowledge. Differentiated versions are available to support students who need additional guidance or extended challenges. Teachers can assign combinations of projects for advanced learners while still utilizing the same rubric, which evaluates vocabulary, concepts, presentation, clarity, and accuracy.
With only basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors required, these projects are simple to implement. Many options also include digital components, making them ideal for various learning environments. This resource provides an enriching and flexible way to deepen students’ comprehension of the circulatory system.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Interactive Notebook Bundle provides a hands-on and engaging way for students to learn about body systems, offering both print and digital options for flexible use in traditional classrooms, 1:1 settings, or distance learning environments. Students can explore key systems, such as the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, while interacting with customized templates and reflection pages to enhance understanding.
The digital version features an interactive PowerPoint file that can be uploaded to Google Slides or other platforms like MS Teams or Canvas, making it easy to assign and complete remotely. Students can add notes, complete reflection activities, and access modified templates as needed. The teacher key and modified digital versions ensure accessibility for all learners.
The paper version includes blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos for guidance, making it ideal for interactive notebooks. This comprehensive bundle offers everything teachers need to support students’ mastery of body system concepts while catering to diverse learning needs.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Interactive Notebook Bundle provides a hands-on and engaging way for students to learn about body systems, offering both print and digital options for flexible use in traditional classrooms, 1:1 settings, or distance learning environments. Students can explore key systems, such as the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, while interacting with customized templates and reflection pages to enhance understanding.
The digital version features an interactive PowerPoint file that can be uploaded to Google Slides or other platforms like MS Teams or Canvas, making it easy to assign and complete remotely. Students can add notes, complete reflection activities, and access modified templates as needed. The teacher key and modified digital versions ensure accessibility for all learners.
The paper version includes blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos for guidance, making it ideal for interactive notebooks. This comprehensive bundle offers everything teachers need to support students’ mastery of body system concepts while catering to diverse learning needs.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Inquiry Lab helps students explore the function of the heart through both hands-on and digital activities. Whether using the printed experiment or the virtual lab with a pre-recorded demonstration, students will calculate how much blood is pumped through their bodies in one minute, compare their heart rates to other animals, and reflect on healthy habits. Each version includes comprehension checks, C.E.R. writing prompts, and reflection sections.
This lab includes three differentiated levels—modified, dependent, and independent—to support all learners. The modified version provides structured guidance with sentence stems and multiple-choice options. The dependent version combines procedures and inquiry questions, while the independent level is more student-led, encouraging deeper exploration with minimal direction.
Students use materials like buckets, a syringe, and a timer for the print version, while the digital lab includes built-in interactive activities and requires no materials. Teachers receive editable files, answer keys, teacher resources, and compatibility with Google Slides to support flexible and effective instruction.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Inquiry Lab helps students explore the function of the heart through both hands-on and digital activities. Whether using the printed experiment or the virtual lab with a pre-recorded demonstration, students will calculate how much blood is pumped through their bodies in one minute, compare their heart rates to other animals, and reflect on healthy habits. Each version includes comprehension checks, C.E.R. writing prompts, and reflection sections.
This lab includes three differentiated levels—modified, dependent, and independent—to support all learners. The modified version provides structured guidance with sentence stems and multiple-choice options. The dependent version combines procedures and inquiry questions, while the independent level is more student-led, encouraging deeper exploration with minimal direction.
Students use materials like buckets, a syringe, and a timer for the print version, while the digital lab includes built-in interactive activities and requires no materials. Teachers receive editable files, answer keys, teacher resources, and compatibility with Google Slides to support flexible and effective instruction.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Sub Plans guide students through an engaging sequence of activities, including a warm-up puzzle, a reading passage, and a hands-on project to create a booklet labeling the organs and functions of each body system. Using their booklets, students answer questions to deepen their understanding. Extension activities challenge early finishers to explore how systems like the skeletal and muscular systems work together or how multiple systems collaborate to digest a meal. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket.
Comprehensive support is provided for both in-class and distance learning formats, including substitute teacher instructions, a Google Form answer sheet, and editable resources. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to minimize downtime, with substitute directions, behavior checkpoints, and engaging activities to ensure a productive day. Digital versions allow students to annotate PDFs or submit answers online, making the resource versatile for remote or in-person use.
These middle school science sub plans are perfect for days when teachers are out, offering clear instructions for substitutes and meaningful, student-centered activities. They are also ideal for homework, extra credit, or small group sessions. Packed with editable documents, answer keys, and flexible learning formats, these plans make managing classroom learning seamless and stress-free.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Sub Plans guide students through an engaging sequence of activities, including a warm-up puzzle, a reading passage, and a hands-on project to create a booklet labeling the organs and functions of each body system. Using their booklets, students answer questions to deepen their understanding. Extension activities challenge early finishers to explore how systems like the skeletal and muscular systems work together or how multiple systems collaborate to digest a meal. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket.
Comprehensive support is provided for both in-class and distance learning formats, including substitute teacher instructions, a Google Form answer sheet, and editable resources. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to minimize downtime, with substitute directions, behavior checkpoints, and engaging activities to ensure a productive day. Digital versions allow students to annotate PDFs or submit answers online, making the resource versatile for remote or in-person use.
These middle school science sub plans are perfect for days when teachers are out, offering clear instructions for substitutes and meaningful, student-centered activities. They are also ideal for homework, extra credit, or small group sessions. Packed with editable documents, answer keys, and flexible learning formats, these plans make managing classroom learning seamless and stress-free.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Escape Room provides an immersive, hands-on way for students to demonstrate their understanding of major body systems, their structures, and their functions. With eight unique puzzles, teachers have full control over the activities, choosing which puzzles to use and their order—perfect for adapting to different class lengths. This engaging activity combines critical thinking, teamwork, and science content into a memorable classroom experience.
The escape room can be run using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, including locks and a storage box, for a realistic feel. Both physical and digital versions are available, offering flexibility for in-person or virtual learning. Digital versions include editable PowerPoints and Google Slides, while printable materials support at-home or classroom setups. Tools like UV pens, red cellophane, and mirrors add to the fun, but alternatives are provided for cost-effective implementation.
The product includes everything needed for a smooth experience: teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, a mood-setting video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas. Whether used in a physical or digital format, the Kesler Science Escape Room is an engaging and versatile resource for reinforcing body systems knowledge.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Escape Room provides an immersive, hands-on way for students to demonstrate their understanding of major body systems, their structures, and their functions. With eight unique puzzles, teachers have full control over the activities, choosing which puzzles to use and their order—perfect for adapting to different class lengths. This engaging activity combines critical thinking, teamwork, and science content into a memorable classroom experience.
The escape room can be run using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, including locks and a storage box, for a realistic feel. Both physical and digital versions are available, offering flexibility for in-person or virtual learning. Digital versions include editable PowerPoints and Google Slides, while printable materials support at-home or classroom setups. Tools like UV pens, red cellophane, and mirrors add to the fun, but alternatives are provided for cost-effective implementation.
The product includes everything needed for a smooth experience: teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, a mood-setting video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas. Whether used in a physical or digital format, the Kesler Science Escape Room is an engaging and versatile resource for reinforcing body systems knowledge.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Reading Comprehension Lesson engages middle school students with a nonfiction article exploring the structure and function of the circulatory system. Students answer comprehension questions and complete a hands-on activity comparing heart rates, reinforcing their understanding through reading and interactive learning.
This resource includes leveled science passages (Lexile 1100-1300) suitable for grades 6-8 and higher-level 5th graders, along with colorful graphics, Cornell notes templates, and a mini-project. Designed to enhance science literacy and comprehension, it works well for classroom instruction, extra credit, sub plans, or as a tool to spark discussions about the circulatory system.
Perfect for in-person or virtual learning, the lesson includes editable digital files for platforms like Google Classroom and MS Teams, enabling students to respond directly online. Flexible and engaging, it’s an excellent way to build science reading skills while deepening content knowledge.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Reading Comprehension Lesson engages middle school students with a nonfiction article exploring the structure and function of the circulatory system. Students answer comprehension questions and complete a hands-on activity comparing heart rates, reinforcing their understanding through reading and interactive learning.
This resource includes leveled science passages (Lexile 1100-1300) suitable for grades 6-8 and higher-level 5th graders, along with colorful graphics, Cornell notes templates, and a mini-project. Designed to enhance science literacy and comprehension, it works well for classroom instruction, extra credit, sub plans, or as a tool to spark discussions about the circulatory system.
Perfect for in-person or virtual learning, the lesson includes editable digital files for platforms like Google Classroom and MS Teams, enabling students to respond directly online. Flexible and engaging, it’s an excellent way to build science reading skills while deepening content knowledge.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a persuasive essay that tests their life science knowledge while enriching their writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this activity encourages students to apply science reasoning in creative and meaningful ways, making it a valuable tool for elaboration or review alongside other Kesler resources.
This standards-aligned activity includes teacher directions, project ideas, rubrics, and both full-sized and half-sheet handouts for flexibility. A digital interactive version is also provided, easily assignable in PowerPoint or Google Slides, catering to in-person or remote learners. Students can use pre-writing strategies, self-checks, and layout templates to structure their work effectively.
Perfect for cross-curricular activities, early finishers, or extra credit, this versatile resource can also serve as a pre-test, make-up work, or a TELPAS writing sample. Its creative and low-prep design ensures students remain engaged while mastering circulatory system concepts.
The Kesler Science Circulatory System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a persuasive essay that tests their life science knowledge while enriching their writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this activity encourages students to apply science reasoning in creative and meaningful ways, making it a valuable tool for elaboration or review alongside other Kesler resources.
This standards-aligned activity includes teacher directions, project ideas, rubrics, and both full-sized and half-sheet handouts for flexibility. A digital interactive version is also provided, easily assignable in PowerPoint or Google Slides, catering to in-person or remote learners. Students can use pre-writing strategies, self-checks, and layout templates to structure their work effectively.
Perfect for cross-curricular activities, early finishers, or extra credit, this versatile resource can also serve as a pre-test, make-up work, or a TELPAS writing sample. Its creative and low-prep design ensures students remain engaged while mastering circulatory system concepts.
The Kesler Science WIKI Tickets provide engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th–8th grade science topics, designed to check student understanding in a fun and interactive way. Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover nine body systems, including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information. Each topic includes five formats: projection, full-page, split-page, quarter-page handouts, and editable digital versions for use in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
These colorful WIKI Tickets can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks for learning progress. Teachers have the flexibility to use them in print, project them for whole-class responses, or assign them digitally for 1:1 and virtual settings. A bonus table of contents file shows the alignment of each ticket to middle school science standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key concepts.
Perfect for both in-person and remote learning, the WIKI Tickets make lesson planning easier while keeping students engaged and on track. These versatile tools ensure you're prepared to assess understanding in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science WIKI Tickets provide engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th–8th grade science topics, designed to check student understanding in a fun and interactive way. Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover nine body systems, including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information. Each topic includes five formats: projection, full-page, split-page, quarter-page handouts, and editable digital versions for use in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
These colorful WIKI Tickets can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks for learning progress. Teachers have the flexibility to use them in print, project them for whole-class responses, or assign them digitally for 1:1 and virtual settings. A bonus table of contents file shows the alignment of each ticket to middle school science standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key concepts.
Perfect for both in-person and remote learning, the WIKI Tickets make lesson planning easier while keeping students engaged and on track. These versatile tools ensure you're prepared to assess understanding in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Lesson Extensions provide student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems through engaging, creative, and rigorous learning opportunities. These activities are perfect for ending lessons, filling testing gaps, or keeping students focused with NGSS- and TEKS-aligned content. Students can explore critical thinking and creativity through puzzles, STEAM-based maker activities, digital media projects, and creative writing tasks.
Each extension includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection options for digital boards, and printable handouts in full- and half-sheet formats. Topics covered include the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, making them a perfect supplement for anatomy and physiology units.
Kesler Science Lesson Extensions help scaffold learning for independent learners, offering a variety of high-level activities to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on engagement, all while maintaining alignment with key science standards.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Lesson Extensions provide student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems through engaging, creative, and rigorous learning opportunities. These activities are perfect for ending lessons, filling testing gaps, or keeping students focused with NGSS- and TEKS-aligned content. Students can explore critical thinking and creativity through puzzles, STEAM-based maker activities, digital media projects, and creative writing tasks.
Each extension includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection options for digital boards, and printable handouts in full- and half-sheet formats. Topics covered include the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, making them a perfect supplement for anatomy and physiology units.
Kesler Science Lesson Extensions help scaffold learning for independent learners, offering a variety of high-level activities to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on engagement, all while maintaining alignment with key science standards.
The Body Systems Card Sort activity helps students learn about the ten major human body systems by sorting them based on their system name, main function, and major organs. This engaging activity can be used during instruction, as a review game, or for intervention and tutoring, providing a fun alternative to traditional study methods.
The body systems included are circulatory, skeletal, endocrine, muscular, integumentary, nervous, digestive, excretory, respiratory, and reproductive. This resource is suitable for any middle school students studying body systems.
The Body Systems Card Sort activity helps students learn about the ten major human body systems by sorting them based on their system name, main function, and major organs. This engaging activity can be used during instruction, as a review game, or for intervention and tutoring, providing a fun alternative to traditional study methods.
The body systems included are circulatory, skeletal, endocrine, muscular, integumentary, nervous, digestive, excretory, respiratory, and reproductive. This resource is suitable for any middle school students studying body systems.
The Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the circulatory system through real-world connections. It begins with an engaging reading about the Children’s Heart Foundation and congenital heart defects (CHD), followed by comprehension and extension questions to activate prior knowledge. The second reading clearly explains the science behind the circulatory system, helping students deepen their understanding with additional comprehension and reinforcement questions.
This resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, editable print and digital formats, and both full- and half-sheet handouts suitable for interactive notebooks or projection. Designed to enhance any classroom setup, it can be used in-person or virtually through platforms like Google Classroom. A modified version supports differentiated instruction with language scaffolds and sentence starters for students who need it.
Amazing Anchors lessons are intended to bookend your core content and work especially well during the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson. Use the anchoring phenomenon to spark curiosity and help students make lasting content connections before and after the main lesson.
The Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the circulatory system through real-world connections. It begins with an engaging reading about the Children’s Heart Foundation and congenital heart defects (CHD), followed by comprehension and extension questions to activate prior knowledge. The second reading clearly explains the science behind the circulatory system, helping students deepen their understanding with additional comprehension and reinforcement questions.
This resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, editable print and digital formats, and both full- and half-sheet handouts suitable for interactive notebooks or projection. Designed to enhance any classroom setup, it can be used in-person or virtually through platforms like Google Classroom. A modified version supports differentiated instruction with language scaffolds and sentence starters for students who need it.
Amazing Anchors lessons are intended to bookend your core content and work especially well during the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson. Use the anchoring phenomenon to spark curiosity and help students make lasting content connections before and after the main lesson.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What is the main function of the circulatory system?
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What are the main organs associated with this system?
Kesler Science Membership
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