Discovering Connections
As they make observations, scientists are always looking for
patterns in the natural world. For instance, researchers have
observed that pregnant women who smoke cigarettes have a higher
incidence of low-birthweight babies and that people with high-fat diets
have a greater risk of developing heart disease. Many similar
medical discoveries are a result of the patterns that can be observed
when studying people and their lifestyles.
Discovering and explaining connections is one of the basic methods by
which our knowledge of the world advances. It is what science is
all about! Sometimes the connections are not what we expect or
would predict, and sometimes we may have a hard time explaining the
connections. Nevertheless, that is how science makes progress.
In this part of the laboratory activity, you will make a few
observations about yourself and your classmates; then you will look for
patterns or connections.
Safety
Safety is important during any laboratory activity.
Although no dangerous chemicals or heat sources are used in this
investigation, be sure you are careful and behave responsibly.
Another concern is health. If you have health reasons for not
performing the exercises called for in this activity, tell your teacher
so that other arrangements can be made for you to successfully complete
the investigation. If you are excused from gym class for medical
reasons, for example, or if you have asthma, tell your teacher about it
before beginning the laboratory activity.
New York State Standards
Lesson Plan
Heart Rate Lab Video
Heart Diagram
How to Find Pulse