Lesson 1: The Vital Fluid (Blood Composition & Typing)
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Explain how the specialized components of blood contribute to the overall function of the organism.
What exactly is in a drop of blood? How does your blood "know" to stop a leak?
Plasma, Erythrocyte (RBC), Leukocyte (WBC), Thrombocyte (Platelet), Hemoglobin, Antigen, Antibody.
HS-LS1-1 (Structure/Function), HS-LS1-2 (Organization)
Interpreting percentage-based pie charts and analyzing data sets regarding blood count variations.
Description: Students examine the cellular and liquid components of blood and the genetics of ABO/Rh typing.
Purpose: To understand blood as a connective tissue.
DOK 2.
Blood donation shortages and why "Universal Donors" (O-) are critical to emergency medicine
Students often think blood is "blue" when inside the body due to vein appearance. (Correction: Blood is always red; the hue depends on oxygen saturation).
Use "Simulated Blood" kits for a hands-on typing lab; provide visual sorting cards for plasma vs. formed elements.
A "Blood Donor Compatibility" challenge where students must determine which patients can receive specific units of blood based on antigen/antibody reactions.
Simulated blood typing kits, microscopes, prepared blood smear slides.