Heartbeat
How fast does the heart beat during different activities?
Be sensible about exercising. If you are taking part in running or cycling or other physical exercise, build up steadily and do not try to go faster than you feel comfortable. A fast heart rate is not dangerous in itself, but if you are not used to exerting yourself, it is better to play safe. It is OK to feel a bit "puffed out", but if you feel pain - then stop. If you have asthma, take sensible precautions. It would be sensible to have adult supervision during this investigation.
PLAN
Who is going to take part?
What activities will they take part in?
In what order?
What equipment will you need?
How long will each activity last?
How will you measure heart rate? This might require some practice beforehand.
I WILL NEED
A way to measure heart rate.
Pencil & paper.
I MAY NEED
Watch or stopwatch.
PE kit.
Bicycle.
It would be really useful to have a range of gym exercise equipment.
FAIR TEST
Does everyone's heart beat at the same rate? If some people are fitter than others, how will that affect heart rate?
PREDICTION
Which types of exercise do you think will increase heart rate most?
Why do you think so?
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
How much time will you allow between activities so that everyone can get their breath back? It might be a good idea to measure each person's standing-still heart rate and allow everybody to return to that rate in between each exercise.
COLLECT
DATA
If a lot of different people take part, make sure that you keep their results separated as it may make a difference to the way you analyse the results. It is probably best to design a simple grid.
ANALYSE
DATA
It will be helpful to order your data so that you can detect any patterns.
PRESENT
FINDINGS
This investigation would be good to photograph or video.
Is it possible to give a demonstration?
What is the best way to show your data and your findings?
EVALUATE
INVESTIGATION
If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website. It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post. Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.
Heartbeat
Animated heart
Heartmap
Kid's site