Editing Beads and Blood

{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right"
| [[Biology]]:
| Parts of the Blood
|-
| Grade Range:
| [[Elementary School]]
|-
| Format:
| [[Hands-on]]
|}

This is a simple demonstration for a science night or similar event. Be sure to watch this demonstration to make sure none of the marbles go missing!

== Materials ==

* Red Marbles
* Clear Marbles
* White Ping Pong Balls
* Small Styrofoam Beads or Bits
* Bucket to Hold Them

== Safety Precautions ==

Please read the General Safety section of the [[Demonstration Safety]] page before performing this demonstration.

Be sure to watch this demonstration if any children Kindergarten or younger are looking at it. Do not allow children younger than 5 to handle this demonstration, since the marbles could be choke hazards.

== Demonstration ==

# Mix the parts of the demonstration together in the bowl. <!--Ratio factor here, if needed -->
# Set out the demonstration with a placard, and allow students to play with the beads in the bucket. The presenter should stay near the bucket throughout the course of the event to make sure students aren't taking things out of the bucket, and to answer any questions that students might have.

== Why This Works ==

Our blood is important to how we survive, since it carries nutrients to our cells, takes away the waste, and helps us stay healthy and strong. There are four main components to our blood, and they all have different roles in our bodies. ''Red Blood Cells'' are in charge of bringing oxygen to our cells and taking CO<sub>2</sub> away from them. They are very common in our blood, and are the reason why our blood looks red. ''White Blood Cells'' are the cells that work for our immune system. They are active in fighting off diseases and infections, and are constantly at work to keep us healthy. ''Platelets'' are tiny cells that help our body recover when there is an injury. When we get a cut, platelets will start sticking together at the cut to stop the bleeding, and will stick together until the cut is closed. ''Plasma'' is the liquid that the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are all suspended in. The plasma carries the nutrients that our cells need, and helps to keep our bodies working well and staying strong. 

{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; text-align: left; left-margin: auto"
| '''Part of of the Blood:'''
| '''Represented by:'''
|-
| Red Blood Cells
| Red Marbles
|-
| White Blood Cells
| Ping Pong Balls
|-
| Platelets
| Styrofoam Pieces
|-
| Plasma
| Clear Marbles
|}

== Additional Information ==

* This demonstration pairs well with the [[Blood Clotting]] and the [[Blood And Buffers]] demonstrations.