Pumping Heart Chamber STEM Lab BIO02

Middle School Heart Physics & Biology Lab: 3-page STEM packet on circulatory anatomy, one-way valves, stroke volume, & cardiac output calculations.

Explore circulatory system anatomy, cardiac pressure differentials, one-way valve mechanics, fluid flow rates, and stroke volume! The Pumping Heart Chamber Fluid Dynamics STEM Lab (BIO02) challenges middle school student teams to act as biomedical engineers, constructing a working mechanical heart model to investigate how pressure differentials and one-way valves circulate fluid.

Students explore cardiac muscle contractions, atmospheric vs. chamber pressure, valve regurgitation prevention, stroke volume, and cardiac output math!

What Is Included in This 3-Page Packet?

Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan: NGSS alignment (MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3, MS-ETS1-2), target science concepts, fluid station setup guide, expected student outcomes, answer keys, and cleanup safety rules.

Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint: Real-world biomedical engineering and artificial heart device scenario hook, clear material limits box (jar, balloon, straws, tape, rubber band, colored water, graduated cylinder, timer), and a dedicated Cardiac Chamber & Fluid Valve Schematic sketching zone.

Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection: Structured Data Testing Table (track total beats, fluid volume pumped in mL, stroke volume in mL/beat, and valve leak notes), Applied Math Connection (calculate Stroke Volume and Estimated Cardiac Output in mL/min), and biology reflection questions.

Core STEM Skills Covered:

Biomedical Engineering & Cardiovascular Fluid Biomechanics

Fluid Pressure Differentials & One-Way Valve Mechanics

Cardiac Stroke Volume & Volumetric Flow Rate Analysis

Data Logging, Liquid Volume Measurement (mL), and Multiplication/Division Math

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

3-Page Professional Layout: Includes a complete Teacher Guide for seamless prep, keeping student lab sheets clean and ready to print!

Low-Cost Materials: Uses simple plastic cups/jars, balloons, drinking straws, tape, rubber bands, water, and graduated cylinders.

High-Impact Life Science Lab: Transforms abstract cardiovascular anatomy into a hands-on, interactive pumping model students love testing!

Print-Ready: High-resolution, 3-page PDF format ready for instant printing.