Teaching Tips

Teacher Tips-

·       This lesson can be rearranged if the level or background of students requires this or if time availability is a factor.

·       In order for the module to work efficiently, make sure students understand what plaque is. There are several websites on the links page that you can use before or during the module.

·       Make sure that students accurately measure the time it takes for the water to flow completely out of the funnel during the lab. Also make sure that they try to pour water into the funnel at a steady rate – this eliminates pressure as a variable.

·       The Excel model on the Run the Model under Student Materials contains the data, graphs, and formulas used to analyze data from the experiment.  Again, if you don’t have access to Excel or computers, you can adapt the analysis of the data for your personal needs.

·       If you are familiar with Stella, have the students build a model using different variables that the ones in the teacher made model in this module.

·       The lab sheet and the Stella model worksheet can be found on the activities page.

Extensions-

·       A research paper on a variety of body systems affected by blood flow

·       A research paper on the various drugs/procedures used to alleviate closing of the arteries

·       Brainstorm other body systems which could be represented with a model

·       Study on how pipe size can affect runoff from fields/factories into streams and rivers

·       Research and design a fountain to place in the entry to the school

·       Design a lab to show the increase in blood pressure using a syringe and balloon as plaque builds in the artery.