Engineering The Heart

A Project-Based Investigation of Human Circulation

Driving Question
"How can biomedical engineers design a heart pump that keeps blood circulating even when the circulatory system has complications?"

Project OverviewAbout This Unit

In this two-week project-based learning unit, students investigate how the circulatory system functions as a biological transport system. Students design, build, and test a working heart pump model using engineering design principles. Through collaboration, experimentation, and data analysis, students refine their models and explain how structure impacts function.

Real-World ConnectionWhy This Matters

The human heart transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Biomedical engineers design artificial hearts and medical devices that mimic this process. This project connects science to real-world medical innovation and engineering careers.

Anchor VideoHow the Heart Works — TED-Ed

Anchor Video

To learn more about the circulatory system, watch this video and think about these questions.

Question 1

What problem does the heart solve in the body?

Question 2

What might happen if blood didn't flow efficiently?

Question 3

How could we recreate this system using materials?

Page 2Project Foundation

Grade Level & Subject

9th–12th Grade / Anatomy — 2-week PBI Unit

TEKS Alignment (8).(A).(1)

(8)The student explores the bodys transport system, student is expected to (A)analyze the physical, chemical, and biological properties of transport systems, including circulatory, respiratory, and excretory. (1)Analyze the physical properties of transport systems, including the circulatory system

Student Learning Objectives

  • Explain how the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system
  • Design a model that mimics blood flow using engineering principles
  • Investigate how pressure and structure affect fluid movement in the system
  • Communicate scientific reasoning using evidence from their experiments

Driving Question

"How can biomedical engineers design a heart pump that keeps blood circulating even when the circulatory system has complications?"

Project Summary

Students investigate how the circulatory system functions as the body’s transport system through a two-week project-based learning experience focused on engineering design. Acting as biomedical engineers, students analyze how physical properties such as pressure, structure, and flow rate affect fluid movement by designing, building, and testing a model heart pump. Throughout the project, students collect data, evaluate their designs, and make improvements to increase efficiency while connecting their models to the real circulatory system. The unit culminates in a final presentation where students use evidence to explain how their model demonstrates the properties of an effective transport system.

Page 3Anchor Video & Inquiry

Introduction to the Problem Scenario

The human body depends on an efficient transport system. If blood flow is disrupted, organs cannot receive oxygen and nutrients — and can fail within minutes. Doctors need better ways to replicate heart function for patients with heart disease, and engineers must design systems that move fluid efficiently under pressure.

Primary Anchor Video

How the Heart Works — TED-Ed

Video Inquiry (Student Activity)

Before Watching
  • What is the heart's main job?
  • How might a pump system work?
During Watching
  • What parts control flow?
  • What makes it efficient?
After Watching
  • How do we recreate this?
  • What challenges exist?

Page 42-Week Project Calendar

Week 1
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Launch

Introduce driving question

Watch anchor video

Class discussion

✓ Exit ticket		 Explore

Heart structure & function lesson

Diagram activity

Vocabulary notes

✓ Labeled diagram		 Design

Engineering design process intro

Teams established

Begin blueprint sketch

✓ Blueprint draft		 Build

Prototype build — Day 1

Gather materials

Begin construction

✓ Progress check		 Test

Test prototype

Collect flow data

Record observations in lab journals

✓ Data table
Monday
Launch
Introduce driving question · Watch anchor video · Class discussion
✓ Exit ticket
Tuesday
Explore
Heart structure & function lesson · Diagram activity · Vocabulary notes
✓ Labeled diagram
Wednesday
Design
Engineering design process intro · Teams established · Blueprint sketch
✓ Blueprint draft
Thursday
Build
Prototype build Day 1 · Gather materials · Begin construction
✓ Progress check
Friday
Test
Test prototype · Collect flow data · Record observations in lab journals
✓ Data table
Week 2
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Analyze

Analyze results

Identify design flaws

Plan improvements

✓ Improvement plan		 Rebuild

Redesign & rebuild model

Apply improvements

Document changes

✓ Revision notes		 Final Test

Final prototype testing

Compare to original data

Record results in lab journals

✓ Final data table		 Prep

Prepare presentation

Organize data & evidence

Practice explanation

✓ Presentation draft		 Present

Final presentations

Model demonstrations

Peer & self reflection

✓ Final rubric
Monday
Analyze
Analyze results · Identify design flaws · Plan improvements
✓ Improvement plan
Tuesday
Rebuild
Redesign & rebuild model · Apply improvements · Document changes
✓ Revision notes
Wednesday
Final Test
Final prototype testing · Compare to original data · Record results in lab journals
✓ Final data table
Thursday
Prep
Prepare presentation · Organize data & evidence · Practice explanation
✓ Presentation draft
Friday
Present
Final presentations · Model demonstrations · Peer & self reflection
✓ Final rubric

Saturday Field / Investigation Day

Students test materials, observe flow rates, collect data, and apply real-world observations to their prototypes. Students submit a data table and written reflection connecting Saturday observations to their model design.

Page 5Lesson Plans

Tap any day to expand the full lesson plan.

Day 1 Engage — Launch & Driving Question

▾

Objective

Students are introduced to the driving question and explore how the heart functions through video and discussion.

Teacher Move

Mini-lecture explaining heart function and blood flow. Teacher models thinking with think-aloud strategy.

Student Task

  • Watch anchor video
  • Respond to inquiry questions
  • Write initial design ideas

Assessment

Exit ticket: "How does the heart move blood?"

Day 2 Explore — Heart Structure & Blueprint

▾

Objective

Students learn the components of the circulatory system and begin designing their pump model.

Teacher Move

Direct instruction on arteries, veins, and valves. Use visual diagram. Introduce engineering design steps.

Student Task

  • Create a labeled circulatory diagram
  • Sketch a blueprint for their pump model
  • Identify materials needed

Assessment

Blueprint submission + labeled diagram

Days 3–5 Build & Test — Prototype Phase

▾

Objective

Students build and test their pump prototypes, measuring fluid movement and recording data.

Teacher Move

Circulate and guide — ask questions rather than give answers. Monitor safety with materials.

Student Task

  • Construct prototype from blueprint
  • Test fluid flow through system
  • Record data in table
  • Write observations

Assessment

Data table + field observations

Days 6–8 Analyze & Improve — Redesign Phase

▾

Objective

Students analyze test results, identify design flaws, and redesign models for improved performance.

Teacher Move

Guide thinking with Socratic questions. Ask: "What changed? Why did that work better?"

Student Task

  • Compare original vs. test data
  • Identify at least one design improvement
  • Rebuild improved model
  • Document changes in notebook

Assessment

Written design improvement explanation

Differentiation Strategies

Visual Support

Diagrams and labeled models for visual learners

Sentence Stems

"My design improved because…" / "The data shows…"

Hands-On

Tactile building supports kinesthetic learners

Team Roles

Assigned roles ensure all students contribute

Days 9–10 Present — Final Demonstration

▾

Objective

Students present final models, explain their engineering design choices, and reflect on their learning journey.

Teacher Move

Facilitate audience questions. Use final rubric for scoring. Provide positive, specific feedback.

Student Task

  • Demonstrate working model
  • Explain design decisions with evidence
  • Describe one key improvement made
  • Complete self-reflection

Assessment

Final project rubric (see Assessment page)

Page 6Final Project

The Challenge

Design and build a working model of a heart pump that can move fluid through a system. Your model must demonstrate how the real heart functions as a transport system, include evidence of at least one design improvement, and be explained using scientific reasoning.

Project Requirements

  • Model must successfully move fluid through tubing
  • Must include at least one documented design improvement with data
  • Must explain how the model represents the real heart
  • Presentation must use evidence from testing
  • All team members must contribute and participate

Materials

🧪Tubing / Hose
💧Water / Fluid
⚙️Pump / Squeeze Bulb
🪣Containers
📏Measuring Tools
🔗Connectors / Valves
⏱️Stopwatch
📓Lab Notebook

Page 7Assessment

Formative Assessments (Throughout Unit)

Day 1Exit ticket — heart function
Day 2Blueprint + labeled diagram
Days 3–5Data table + observations
Days 6–8Design improvement explanation

Final Project Rubric

Criteria4 — Exemplary3 — Proficient2 — Developing1 — Beginning
Functionality
Model moves fluid		Fluid moves efficiently; system works consistentlyFluid moves with minor issuesPartial fluid movementModel does not function
Scientific Explanation
Connects to real heart		Detailed, accurate explanation with evidenceMostly accurate with some evidencePartial explanation, limited evidenceLittle or no explanation
Design Improvement
Evidence of iteration		Clear improvement documented with data comparisonOne improvement with some dataImprovement mentioned but not supportedNo documented improvement
Collaboration
Team contribution		All members contributed; strong teamwork evidentMost members contributedUneven contributionsMinimal teamwork shown

How Learning is Made Visible

Student learning is demonstrated through physical models, recorded data, written explanations, and presentations. Growth is shown through design revisions and improved performance from initial to final testing. Students also complete a self-reflection comparing their first prototype to their final model.

Page 8Communication

Engineering The Heart Project

Parent & Guardian Letter — High School Anatomy

Dear Parent/Guardian,


Students will participate in a two-week STEM project where they design and test a working model of a heart pump. This project helps students understand how the circulatory system functions while developing problem-solving and collaboration skills.


Students will engage in hands-on learning, data analysis, and final presentations to demonstrate their understanding. They will work in engineering teams, run experiments, and improve their designs based on evidence.


Please encourage your student to share what they are building at home! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.


Sincerely,
Your Teacher