Beating Heart Model is an AAC-friendly core word science experiment designed to help students learn how the heart pumps blood through the body while practicing functional communication and science vocabulary. This hands-on experiment uses a cup, balloon, straws, water, and red food coloring to create a simple model of a beating heart. Students follow visual step-by-step directions, identify needed materials, observe how the “blood” moves through the model, and discuss what the heart does. This resource is designed for special education classrooms, AAC users, early learners, and students who benefit from visual supports, repeated language, hands-on activities, and adapted science instruction. Core word targets include:
what, not, put, in, on, down, make, look Science and body vocabulary includes:
heart, heartbeat, blood, oxygen, waste, nutrients, body, muscle, pumps, strong, regular, through, straws, balloon, water, bowl What’s included: Visual experiment book
Step-by-step beating heart model activity
Supply list with picture supports
Repeated AAC/core word language
Simple body science vocabulary
Picture-supported conclusion and discussion questions
Communication board with core words and activity-specific vocabulary
Start Up Steps for Teachers
ELA & AAC in Science standards-alignment support This activity supports communication, participation, science observation, sequencing, vocabulary development, cause and effect, discussion, and student response. Students can participate using speech, gestures, pointing, AAC devices, partner-assisted choices, single-message switches, or the included communication board. The teacher support pages help staff choose target words, locate vocabulary in AAC systems, create light-tech supports, model language during the experiment, and connect the activity to ELA standards through speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, comprehension, sequencing, questioning, observation, and student response. Perfect for body systems units, heart lessons, health science, Valentine’s Day science, AAC groups, adapted science lessons, and special education classrooms.
