How to Build Body Systems Models for Kids

Wondering how to build body systems models? Read on for directions for the circulatory, digestive, immune, musculoskeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems.

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Models help kids understand phenomena that can’t be directly observed. With them, students can investigate things that are too big, small, far away, dangerous, etc. For example, these body systems models allow children to explore the workings of the human body.

DIY Body Systems Models

These DIY models are fun and easy to build. Try them with your kids! You can find printable directions, as well as corresponding information sheets, graphic organizers, review, and assessment in my body systems unit.

Circulatory System

Materials: 2 flexible straws, scissors, jar, tape, balloon

Directions for Circulatory Body System Models:

Cut narrow end off of balloon. Snip two tiny holes in the top.
Fill the jar most of the way full with water
Stretch wide end of balloon over the mouth of the jar.
Stick the long ends of the straws into the water through the holes in the balloon.
Tape the end of one straw closed.

When teaching body systems, use this circulatory system model to simulate the heart pumping blood. — Are you feeling “pinspired”? Feel free to pin images from this post.

To use, place a cup beneath the end of the open straw. Simulate action of the heart muscle by pressing firmly on the balloon.

Digestive System

Materials: half of a bun or a slice of bread, small baggie with a zipper, paper towel, one or two plastic containers, a small lid or eyedropper with a small amount of water, vinegar

Directions for Digestive Body System Models:

Tear up the bun (food) and place it in the container (mouth). This represents biting.
Add water (saliva).
Mash with finger or spoon to simulate chewing.
Add two tablespoons of vinegar (stomach acid) to the baggie (stomach).
Pour the food into the baggie. Then mash wit fingers to illustrate digestion.
Now place the food on the paper towel (small intestine).
Roll and squeeze. The liquid filled with nutrients absorbs into the body, and solid waste is left behind.

To build a model of the digestive system, simulate what happens when a piece of bread goes into the mouth, stomach, and small intestine.

Immune System

This activity simulates your first line of defenses.

Materials: balloon, baggie with zip top, sprinkles (or other grainy substance), petroleum jelly, Q-tip, scissors

Directions for Immune Body Systems Models:

The balloon represents your skin. It keeps germs from getting inside of your body. The opening represents your nose and mouth. Use the Q-tip to rub petroleum jelly (mucus) on the opening and just inside it.
Pour sprinkles (or other grainy substance, like salt) into the baggie. It represents germs in the air around you. Place the balloon inside the baggie too, and seal it.
Shake the baggie.
To find out how many germs got past the first line of defenses, cut the balloon in half, as shown.

When teaching the immune system, ask students to build a model representing the first line of defense.

Musculoskeletal Body Systems Models

Materials: paper, scissors, pencil, straws, string

Directions for Musculoskeletal Body Systems Models:

Trace your hand and cut it out.
Cut each straw into three short pieces and one long piece.
Trim and tape three small pieces to each finger (two for the thumb). Add long pieces as hand bones.
Thread a piece of string through straws for each finger and its corresponding hand bone. Tie knots at the top.
Pull the knots to the back of each finger and tape securely.

Build this model of the musculoskeletal system to show your students how bones and muscles work together.

Now kids can simulate the way muscles (strings) contract to make bones (straws) move!

Nervous System

Materials: masking tape, open circuit, scissors, aluminum foil, template

Directions for Nervous Body Systems Models:

First, to build the open circuit, connect a battery holder and bulb holder with one wire. Then add a loose wire to each.
Punch holes where circles appear on the template.
Cut strips of aluminum foil less than one-half inch wide.
On the back of the template, arrange an aluminum strip so it covers the hole for thinking to the frontal lobe. Cover it with masking tape. Repeat with remaining functions and brain parts.
Now kids can use the open circuit to show the connection between each function and its corresponding brain part.

To simulate the nervous system, build this model. Connecting the action with the part of the brain illustrates how a message is sent.

Respiratory Body System Models

Materials: plastic bottle, two balloons, scissors, utility knife

Directions for Respiratory Body Systems Models:

Cut the bottom off of the plastic bottle.
Tie the narrow end of one balloon in a knot. Cut the top third off of the same balloon.
Feed the other balloon into the bottle top; pull the narrow end of the balloon over the lip of the bottle top.
Stretch the tied section of the cut balloon over the bottle bottom.

Build this respiratory system model to teach kids about lung function.

To simulate breathing, pull down on the diaphragm (knot). The lung (other balloon) will inflate.

Enjoy Teaching with Body Systems Models

Hands-on activities like these body systems models really engage my students. Furthermore, they let me integrate science and health education. Add these great projects – as well as the corresponding information sheets and graphic organizers – to your life science curriculum!