by Francine Wizner
Hudson Valley Naturalist
The average adult body contains roughly 0.2 milligrams of gold, equal to a fraction of a grain of sand. Traces can be detected in our bloodstream and organs, but the microscopic amount is too small to extract for profit. As a passively absorbed element, it has no known biological role in keeping humans alive, contrasting sharply with crucial metals like iron. Along with silver, aluminum, and titanium, gold simply enters our bodies through food, water, and the environment.
Living Currency; Worth Every Drop
Blood has many functions, including carrying oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies where they are needed, as well as removing wastes. The whole blood running through our vessels typically represents 7-8% of our body weight and is composed of several essential parts.
Blood Contains Four Major Components
Whole blood is a mixture of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. Blood plasma is a light yellow liquid containing water, salts, and proteins. It transports cells, nutrients, and wastes, while maintaining fluid balance. Red blood cells are circular, with shallow, bowl-like indentations. Lacking a nucleus, they easily change shape to fit through tight vessels. White blood cells and platelets defend the body. Different white blood cells respond to bacterial, fungal, viral, or allergenic invaders, while platelets gather at injuries to initiate coagulation.
Model-building is an excellent way to explore this necessary human tissue. Using easily obtainable grocery supplies, you can do a fun activity at home or in science class to prepare for the zombies, monsters, and visiting vampires arriving on October 31st.
Local Festivities and Fun at Home Making Model BLOOD
Aside from enjoying free seasonal community events—like the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall-O-Ween Spooktacular, the American Legion Post 1466 Trunk-or-Treat, or the Village of Red Hook Halloween Parade—you can make a 3D blood model right in your kitchen. To prepare, calculate 8% of your body weight to estimate your total blood volume—or simply use the adult average of one gallon (1.2–1.5 gallons total). Biologically, plasma makes up about 55% of whole blood, red blood cells represent 44%, and white blood cells and platelets combine for 1%. For easier visual modeling, we will shift red blood cells to 43% and allow white blood cells and platelets 1% each.
To build the one-gallon model, you will need nine cups of water mixed with six tablespoons of psyllium powder for the plasma, using one to three teaspoons of powder per cup of water to adjust the thickness. For the solid components, prepare seven cups of raw orecchiette pasta dyed red for red blood cells, three tablespoons of raw gnocchi dyed blue for white blood cells, and three tablespoons of raw orzo dyed green for platelets. Helpful tools for assembly include a mixing bowl, paper towels, a display container like a petri dish, and rubbing alcohol mixed with food coloring for a quick-dry pasta dye method.
Mix your psyllium plasma to the desired consistency, then submerge your dyed, dried pasta components. Be sure to take photos of your finished 3D model quickly, as the dry pasta will soften and "bleed" its dye into the plasma over time. Beware: besides creating a spooky atmosphere, this activity might cause learning to occur. To extend the lesson, view a prepared slide of real human blood under a microscope. Notice the similarities in ratios, shapes, and colors between your model and the actual sample, and discuss any differences in scale.
For an organized write-up of the activity, check this out: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MAKE-A-3D-BLOOD-MODEL-with-Psyllium-ENRICHMENT-HUMAN-BODY-SYSTEMS-11296791
Francine Wizner is a native of the Hudson Valley. She grew up in the Catskills of Greene County and spent over three decades teaching in Ulster County. She creates science-themed instructional materials and books, as well as being a Citizen Scientist in the management of her current home in an enchanted woodland of Dutchess County. Find her at https://medium.com/@wiznerf, https://substack.com/@gkatzchronicle, and https://www.youtube.com/@PVMapleLodge.
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