Science 9
Experiment 1
Name: __________________________________________ Grade/Section: ________________
Objectives
plan an investigation into what happens to your breathing rate during exercise.
Explain how breathing rate is related to heart rate.
calculating heart and breathing rates during a variety of activities.
Materials
Timer
Chair
Safety Precautions
Take extra care if you have breathing problems. You may wish not to participate.
Be sensible when moving around the classroom.
CALCULATING RESPIRATION RATE
To calculate your respiration rate, breathe normally and count the number of breaths you take in 20 seconds,
then multiply by three.
# Of breaths for 20 seconds: __________ x 3 =_________ breaths per minute
RESTING PULSE RATE
Find your pulse, and then count the number of pulses for 20 seconds. Write this in the space provided, and
then multiply by three to get the number of heartbeats per minute while at rest.
# Of pulses for 20 seconds: _________ x 3 = ________ beats per minute, resting
PROCEDURES
1. Using the lab stools, each person must perform 10 lifts (stand up straight and bring your stool up to your
chest, then back down—this is one lift). Upon finishing, take your PULSE and calculate your own heart rate.
Record all the data in the table below.
2. Repeat 10 lifts, then calculate your breathing rate. Record data in the table.
3. Now performs 20 lifts. Take your pulse and calculate your own heart rate. Record the data. Then
repeat the 20 lifts and calculate your breathing rate. Record.
4. Rest for about 1 minute, and then hold your breath for 20 seconds. Take your pulse DURING the 20-second
breath-holding period and save the number. Calculate your breathing rate for 20 seconds FOLLOWING the
breath-holding period. Then calculate your heart rate from the pulse number you saved. Record all data.
TABLE 1.0: Record your data here:
ACTIVITY YOUR HEART RATE YOUR BREATHING RATE
Resting (fill in from above)
10 chair lifts
20 chair lifts
Holding breath for 20 seconds
Analysis:
1. What happens with the heart rate during and immediately after a period of physical activity?
2. What happens with the breathing rate during and immediately after a period of physical activity?
3. Look at your answers for numbers 1 and 2. Explain why this happens with BOTH the heart and
breathing rates during physical activity.
4. Was there any noticeable difference in the heart rate when you held your breath? Why or why not?
5. Was there any difference in the breathing rate after holding your breath? Why or why not?
6. You are training for a new sport called Beat-The-Other-Team-With-Sticks-And-Take-The-Trophy. It
requires a high level of athletic performance and is very demanding on the body. As you continue your
training for this sport and increase your level of physical fitness, what will you notice about your heart
and breathing rates during and after your training sessions? Why?
