The Beat Goes On
In this activity, students learn about their heart rate and different ways it can be measured. Students construct a simple measurement device using clay and a toothpick, and then use this device to measure their heart rate under different circumstances (i.e., sitting, standing and jumping). Students make predictions and record data on a worksheet.
Students learn about their heart rateCopyright National Institute of Health. Fogarty International Center http://www.fic.nih.gov/News/PublishingImages/2010/ghm-manning.jpg
Engineers help doctors by developing devices to detect heartbeats such as stethoscopes and machines that monitor the heart rate of a person when they are sick or exercising. NASA engineers used the same technology that the fuel pumps in the Space Shuttle uses to help design a tiny ventricular assist pump to help pump blood through the body and regulates a heartbeat. There are many pumps that have been designed by engineers that mimic the pumping action of the heart in the human body.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the mechanics behind a pulse.
- Describe how to measure a heart rate and what affects heart rate.
- List the importance of medical equipment designed by engineers to locate and monitor heart rates.