Hooked on science: What's in my blood?

Have you ever wondered what makes up your blood? If so, here is an experiment that uses food to show you the four components of blood.

Ingredients

• Marshmallows
• Corn syrup
• Candy sprinkles
• Red Hots candy
• Clear container

Instructions

Mix marshmallows, candy sprinkles, Red Hots and corn syrup in clear container.

Explanation

The Red Hots represent the red blood cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. The corn syrup represents plasma, which is a thick, clear, yellowish liquid that carries dissolved food and wastes. The marshmallows represent white blood cells, which attack germs. The candy sprinkles represent platelets that help blood clot.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his science blog Hooked On Science at jasonthescienceguysblog.blogspot.com for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@bootheelyouthmuseum.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.