Blood and Blood Types

 Advanced Biology (Anatomy) is starting the cardiovascular (Module 11) next week.  Two topics are the composition of blood and blood types.  Yes, as a matter of fact, I have written about blood tests before.  We test blood types in Biology and Young Explorers Human Anatomy.  The Eldon kits are expensive.  We’re not repeating these blood tests.  Your family might want to try a kit.

We are doing a simulated blood typing lab.  First, here is the classic simulated blood tests before lab using food coloring, milk, and vinegar.  I purchased Innovating Science Simulated ABO/rH kits for Biology.  I mislaid two kits and reordered more.  Guess what?  This year, we’ll redo the lab.  I’m certain the kids are still fuzzy about ABO/rH compatibility.  

One more idea is to make your own blood sample; here, here, and here are ideas for blood the components in blood.  The last time we made blood samples we used ping pong balls for white blood cells, red water gel beads, and bits of plastic felt for platelets.  Be creative.  

The image above is from an outreach we did with a group of kiddos from Head Start.  (Our church allowed Head Start to use the Knights of Columbus building for classes.). The Human Anatomy and Biology class hosted hands-on stations.  All About Blood  has station ideas.  Get out your stethoscopes!  Plan your own outreach event.