Materials Required:
1 clear plastic cup or jar per child
1 plastic spoon per child
1/2 cup of corn syrup per child
Scant 1/2 cup of red Fruit Loops or Cheerios dyed red per child
1 cotton ball per child
A sprinkle of Fruit Loop or Cheerio crumbs per child
Steps Involved:
Pour 1/2 cup of corn syrup into a clear plastic cup or jar. This will represent the plasma in the blood.
Add a scant 1/2 cup of red Fruit Loops or Cheerios dyed red to the corn syrup. These will represent the red blood cells.
Add 1 cotton ball to the mixture to symbolize a white blood cell.
Sprinkle a small amount of Fruit Loop or Cheerio crumbs into the cup to represent the platelets.
Use a plastic spoon to gently mix the contents, allowing the children to observe how the different components interact and settle.
Discuss how each part of the model corresponds to the components of real blood and their functions in the body.
If desired, seal the jar with a lid so the children can take their blood model home as a visual aid.