Even before its composition and function was fully understood, doctors realized that blood was a vital component for sustaining life. Blood, arguably our most precious commodity,  has remained a mystery for thousands of years. Since the earliest depictions dating back to 2500 BC, society has used various methods such as blood letting and other rituals in an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of role of blood in the body. From the primitive experiments to the latest breakthroughs in synthetic blood, many factors have contributed to our knowledge of blood today. Investigating the cultural and scientific developments that have contributed to society's understanding and use of blood will be the focus of this project.

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     As a historian for a major university, you have been given the responsibility of researching the major developments in the study of blood that have contributed to our modern understanding of its structure and uses. Using the website links provided, you will investigate both the scientific and cultural aspects of blood history. Upon completing your research, you have been asked to construct a timeline, or "Bloodline", in order to present your findings to your colleagues. 

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       1. Using the links below, research the cultural and scientific aspects of the history of blood.

       2. As you conduct your research, take notes on the Student Note Sheet in order to use the information collected to  construct your timeline.   

       3. Once you have completed collecting all the necessary information, select 10 developments you feel were the most crucial in enhancing our understanding of blood to represent on your timeline.

       4. Construct a timeline highlighting your chosen developments. Your timeline can be constructed using one of the following methods:

• PowerPoint
• Video
• Model
• Poster
• Scrapbook
• or any other media approved by your teacher

       5. Present your timeline to your colleagues, otherwise known as your class, for review. 

       6. Lastly, you will be required to fill out a Personal Reflection where you will describe what you learned about blood history as you worked on this project.

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         The website links below will aid you in your search for the scientific and cultural aspects of blood history:

          http://www.pbs.org/wnet/redgold/

          http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmedical.htm

          http://www.newenglandblood.org/links.htm

          http://greenfield.fortunecity.com/rattler/46/blood.htm

          Handouts:

          Student Note Sheet  

          Personal Reflection  

Teacher Handout TEKS Coding

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         You will be evaluated based on the following:

1. Your ability to research your topic on the internet

    2.   The completed note sheet

    3.   Final blood history timeline

    4.   Presentation of timeline to the class

    5.   Completed personal reflection

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