How do you determine a person's blood type? In this activity, students use simulated blood and serums to show the clotting that occurs among the eight different blood types. This is a terrific activity to do prior to or instead of an actual blood-typing investigation. Instructions for creating the fake blood and serums is included in the directions. Directions are given to set up scenarios for each of the blood types: A+ A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O+ O-
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ How many blood types are there?
❑ How do blood types differ?
❑ What is the Rh factor?
Once students try this activity, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions.
Concepts Addressed
♦ Blood types can be determined using a set of 3 serums: Anti-A, Anti-B, Anti-Rh
♦ Each blood type shows a distinct clotting pattern with the three test serums
♦ There are eight distinct blood types: A+ A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O+ O-
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
Materials Needed Paint trays, citric acid, milk, food coloring, paper towels, small squeeze bottles
Prep Needed Prepare simulated blood and serums
Teaching Time 1 class period but this can go longer depending on how many blood types kids test.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
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