1
20-25 min
Inside the Circulatory System
Explore the amazing highway of blood vessels that carries blood throughout your body, powered by your heart.
Start LessonUpper Elementary
How Our Bodies Help Each Other
Explore the circulatory system, learn how blood keeps us healthy, and discover how communities work together to help people who need it most. Designed for grades 3-5.
Unit Overview
How Our Bodies Help Each Other builds on earlier learning about community helpers to explore the science of the circulatory system and the concept of community health.
Students will learn:
- How the circulatory system works to keep our bodies healthy
- The different types of blood cells and their functions
- How bone marrow produces new blood cells
- Why some people need help from others to stay healthy
- How kids can be health advocates in their communities
Lessons
2
20-25 min
Blood as a Team
Meet the different types of blood cells and discover how each one has a special job to keep you healthy.
Start Lesson3
20-25 min
Helping When Someone Is Sick
Learn how some people need extra help when their bodies cannot make enough healthy blood, and how others can help.
Start Lesson4
20-25 min
Being a Health Advocate
Discover how kids can spread awareness about health and helping others, becoming advocates in their communities.
Start LessonFor Teachers
Science Integration
This unit aligns with life science standards about body systems. The circulatory system is presented with age-appropriate detail, including the heart, blood vessels, and the components of blood.
Pedagogical Approach
- Use analogies to explain complex concepts (highway, delivery trucks, factory)
- Include simple diagrams described in text
- Incorporate short, hands-on activities
- Guide discussion with open-ended questions
Sensitive Topics
When discussing illness and donation, focus on the positive aspects of helping and community support. Avoid detailed medical procedures or fear-inducing content.
For Families
Dear Families,
Our class is learning about the circulatory system and how our bodies work. This curriculum aligns with Washington State's guidance on blood and bone marrow donation awareness instruction (RCW 28A.210.430), which encourages schools to offer this content beginning in 2025-26.
Students will learn the science of how blood carries oxygen and nutrients through the body, how bone marrow makes new blood cells, and why community support matters for people who need health-related help.
Important: This curriculum is educational only. We do not encourage or expect children or families to take any action. Donation decisions are personal choices made by eligible adults.
Unit Vocabulary
A curated selection of terms used across the unit. Each lesson introduces additional vocabulary in context — see the individual lesson pages for the full term list.
- Circulatory System
- The body system made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels that moves blood around your body.
- Oxygen
- A gas in the air that our bodies need to survive. Blood carries oxygen to all parts of your body.
- Blood Cells
- Tiny parts of blood that do different jobs: red cells carry oxygen, white cells fight germs, and platelets help stop bleeding.
- Bone Marrow
- The soft material inside your bones where new blood cells are made.
- Nutrients
- Good things from food that give your body energy and help it grow.
Educational Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Blood and bone marrow donation eligibility is determined by medical professionals for adults only.
The Jada Bascom Foundation does not encourage minors to register as donors. This curriculum supports awareness and informed decision-making for future adults.