• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
  • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Heartbeat Heroes

user image

Lori Danko

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Heart Health Hook

Students will identify heart anatomy, assess key cardiac facts via a quiz, and collaborate to design a brief PSA storyboard promoting heart health.

Building health literacy encourages lifelong fitness habits. This quick group lesson reinforces core anatomy knowledge, boosts factual recall, and fosters teamwork and creative communication.

Audience

8th Grade Group

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Quiz then storyboard a PSA

Materials

Anatomy & Activity, Cardiac Knowledge Quiz, Quiz & PSA Script Guide, PSA Storyboarding, and PSA & Quiz Rubric

Prep

Teacher Prep

5 minutes

  • Review all linked materials: Anatomy & Activity, Cardiac Knowledge Quiz, Quiz & PSA Script Guide, PSA Storyboarding, PSA & Quiz Rubric.
  • Prepare sets of storyboard templates and markers for each group.
  • Arrange seating into small groups of 3–4 students.

Step 1

Hook

2 minutes

  • Pose a quick question: “How many times does your heart beat in a day?”
  • Show a 30-second animated heart-rate clip.
  • Tell students they’ll test their knowledge in a quiz next.

Step 2

Anatomy & Activity

5 minutes

  • Display Anatomy & Activity.
  • Briefly review chambers, valves, and major vessels.
  • Ask students to label a blank heart diagram on their handouts.

Step 3

Quiz

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Cardiac Knowledge Quiz.
  • Students complete individually.
  • Collect quizzes for quick scoring against the PSA & Quiz Rubric.

Step 4

PSA Script Guide

5 minutes

  • Provide each group the Quiz & PSA Script Guide.
  • Groups review quiz answers and choose one key fact as their PSA focus.
  • Draft a short script (30 seconds max) using the guide’s prompts.

Step 5

PSA Storyboarding

5 minutes

  • Hand out PSA Storyboarding sheets.
  • Students sketch out 3–4 frames: visual, audio, and text cues.
  • Teacher circulates to offer feedback.

Step 6

Group Share-Out

3 minutes

  • Each group gives a 15-second verbal overview of their PSA concept.
  • Display one storyboard per group on the board.
  • Highlight creative approaches and accurate facts.
lenny

Slide Deck

Heart Anatomy Overview

• Four chambers: Right Atrium (RA), Right Ventricle (RV), Left Atrium (LA), Left Ventricle (LV)
• Valves: Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, Aortic
• Major vessels: Aorta, Pulmonary Arteries & Veins, Superior/Inferior Vena Cava

[Show large heart diagram graphic here]

Introduce the structure of the heart quickly. Point out that it’s a muscular pump with four chambers, valves to prevent backflow, and major vessels carrying blood to/from the body and lungs.

Chambers & Vessels

  1. Right Atrium (RA): receives blood from body
  2. Right Ventricle (RV): pumps blood to lungs via Pulmonary Arteries
  3. Left Atrium (LA): receives blood from lungs via Pulmonary Veins
  4. Left Ventricle (LV): pumps oxygen-rich blood into Aorta

Ask: Which chamber has the thickest muscle?

Zoom in on chambers and vessels. Explain function of each chamber: RA receives deoxygenated blood; RV pumps to lungs; LA receives oxygenated blood; LV pumps to body.

Interactive Labeling

On your handout’s blank heart diagram, label:

  • Right Atrium (RA)
  • Right Ventricle (RV)
  • Left Atrium (LA)
  • Left Ventricle (LV)
  • Aorta
  • Pulmonary Artery & Vein
  • Superior/Inferior Vena Cava

Distribute blank diagrams. Give students 3–4 minutes to label the parts. Circulate to support and correct any misconceptions.

Discussion Prompts

• Trace the path: How does blood flow through the heart?
• Why do valves matter? What would happen if they failed?
• Which chamber works hardest, and why?

Guide a quick partner discussion. Encourage students to use correct terminology and connect structure to function.

lenny

Script

Quiz & PSA Script Guide

Teacher Script (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Great work on the quiz, everyone! Take a moment to look over your answers one more time. Today, you’ll turn one of your quiz facts into a short, powerful public service announcement—a PSA—to help others keep their hearts healthy.

Step 1: Review & Choose a Key Fact
Teacher: “In your group, share which question you got right and which one surprised you most. Then decide together on one heart fact you want to highlight in your PSA. It might be: “Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day,” or “Exercise helps strengthen your heart muscle.”

Possible Student Responses

  • “I was surprised that our heartbeat changes when we exercise!”
  • “I want to talk about how valves keep blood flowing the right way.”

Teacher Prompt: “Why did you pick that fact? How will it help someone make a healthier choice?”




Step 2: Plan Your 30-Second Script
Teacher: “Use this simple outline to build your PSA in 30 seconds:

  1. Hook (5 seconds): Start with a quick question or surprising fact.
    • Example: ‘Did you know your heart beats so fast, it could circle the Earth in a single day?’
  2. Key Fact (10 seconds): State your chosen fact clearly.
    • Example: ‘That’s right—your heart pumps 100,000 times every day to keep you alive!’
  3. Why It Matters (8 seconds): Explain why this fact should matter to your audience.
    • Example: ‘A strong heart means more energy for sports, studying, and having fun.’
  4. Call to Action (7 seconds): Tell people what they can do right now to protect their heart.
    • Example: ‘So, lace up your sneakers and get moving—your heart will thank you!’

Teacher Prompt: “Write one sentence for each of these four parts. Keep it short, clear, and catchy.”







Step 3: Peer Check & Polish
Teacher: “Once you have your draft, read it aloud to your group. Ask:

  • ‘Does this grab our attention?’
  • ‘Is our fact accurate and easy to understand?’
  • ‘Does our call to action feel inspiring?’

Teacher Prompt: “If something feels too long, trim a word or two. If it’s unclear, swap in a simpler phrase.”







Teacher: “You’re ready to move on to storyboarding in just a couple minutes. Fantastic! Keep your script in front of you so you can match each line to a visual frame.”

lenny
lenny

Activity

PSA Storyboarding Activity

Objective: Translate your PSA script into a clear, engaging visual plan.

Materials:

  • Printed storyboard templates (3–4 frames each)
  • Colored pencils or markers

Instructions:

  1. Distribute one PSA Storyboarding sheet and drawing tools to each group.
  2. For each line of your script, create a frame:
    • Sketch the key visual scene.
    • Below the sketch, write the exact narration or dialogue.
    • Note any sound effects or on-screen text.
  3. Follow the flow of your script:
    • Frame 1: Hook (grab attention)
    • Frame 2: Key Fact
    • Frame 3: Why It Matters
    • Frame 4: Call to Action
  4. Use arrows or numbering to show the sequence.
  5. Review with your group:
    • Is each frame clear and easy to understand?
    • Does the storyboard match your script timing?
    • Are visuals and text engaging?






lenny
lenny

Quiz

Cardiac Knowledge Quiz

lenny

Answer Key

PSA & Quiz Rubric Answer Key (#psa-quiz-rubric-answer-key)

This combined answer key includes two parts:

  1. Quiz Answer Key – Correct answers with reasoning for each question.
  2. PSA Evaluation Rubric – Criteria and scoring levels for grading student PSAs.

Part 1: Quiz Answer Key (5 points)

Each correct response is worth 1 point.
Use the explanations below to verify student understanding.

Q#QuestionCorrect AnswerReasoning
1How many chambers does the human heart have?4The heart has four chambers: Right Atrium (RA), Right Ventricle (RV), Left Atrium (LA), Left Ventricle (LV).
2True or False: The left ventricle pumps blood to the lungs.FalseThe left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta (to the body), not to the lungs. The right ventricle sends blood to lungs.
3Which valve controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle?Mitral valveThe mitral (bicuspid) valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle and prevents backflow.
4Approximately how many times does an average adult heart beat in one day?100,000 timesAn average resting heart rate of ~70 beats per minute leads to ~100,000 beats in 24 hours.
5Which type of exercise is most effective for strengthening the heart muscle?Aerobic activities like running or cyclingAerobic (cardio) exercise raises heart rate over an extended period, strengthening the heart muscle more than short sprints or weights alone.

Step-by-Step Thought Processes:

  • Q1: Recall the four anatomical chambers.
  • Q2: Know that ventricles differ in destination; left goes body, right goes lungs.
  • Q3: Understand left-side valve names and positions.
  • Q4: Calculate average beats/minute × minutes in a day.
  • Q5: Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic exercise effects.

Part 2: PSA Evaluation Rubric (12 points)

Grade each group’s PSA (script + storyboard) using four categories.
Each category is scored 0–3 points. Total PSA score = 12 points.

Category3 – Excellent2 – Meets Expectations1 – Needs Improvement0 – Missing/Inaccurate
1. Content AccuracyFact is 100% correct, clearly stated, and well-explained.Fact is correct but explanation lacks depth.Fact is partially correct or slightly unclear.Fact is incorrect or missing.
2. Creativity & EngagementHighly original hook; visuals and wording engage audience.Some creative elements; maintains interest.Few creative elements; somewhat flat.Lacks creativity; disengaging.
3. Clarity & OrganizationScript flows logically (hook, fact, why, CTA); easy to follow.Structure present but transitions are rough.Organization is confusing or out of order.No clear structure; disjointed.
4. Visual & Audio AlignmentStoryboard frames match script exactly; uses text/sfx well.Most frames match script; minor mismatches.Some frames unclear or don’t align with audio.Frames unrelated to script.
5. Timing & LengthWithin 30 ± 3 seconds; pacing is perfect.Slightly over/under time (± 5 sec); pacing ok.Significantly over/under time; pacing rushed/slow.Script doesn’t fit time constraints.

Scoring Guide:

  • Total PSA Points = Sum of category scores (0–15).
  • Quiz Points = Number of correct quiz answers (0–5).
  • Overall Lesson Score = Quiz Points + PSA Points (max 17).

Use this answer key to:

  • Quickly score quiz submissions against correct answers and reasoning.
  • Evaluate each group PSA for factual accuracy and effective communication.
  • Provide targeted feedback (e.g., “Your fact was accurate, but your hook needed more impact”).

Teacher Tip:

  • Circulate during storyboarding to check alignment with rubric categories.
  • Encourage groups that score low in Creativity to brainstorm bolder hooks or visuals.
  • Use rubric totals to identify students needing further support in heart-health concepts or communication skills.
lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Group Share-Out & Exit Reflection

Time: 3 minutes

  1. Verbal Group Share (2 minutes)
  • Each group (up to 15 seconds) briefly presents:
    • Their PSA Hook and Key Fact
    • Their Call to Action
  1. Class Highlights (30 seconds)
  • Teacher calls out:
    • The most surprising fact shared
    • The most creative visual idea
    • The catchiest call to action
  1. Personal Action Reflection (30 seconds)
  • Each student writes a quick exit note:
    • "One new thing I learned today is ___"



• "One action I will take to keep my heart strong is ___"




Teacher Wrap-Up:

  • Praise groups for clear facts and creativity.
  • Encourage students to try their personal actions this week.
  • Remind everyone how small steps add up to a healthier heart!
lenny
lenny