Ventilation and Heart Rate
Recommended for grades 6–12.
Introduction
In this experiment, you will investigate the effect of altering the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide on the rate at which the heart beats. Two different methods of ventilation will be used to investigate this phenomenon. The first method, hyperventilation, is when the breathing rate of an organism is greater than what is necessary for proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This will be achieved by a period of rapid breathing by the test subject. The second method, hypoventilation, occurs when there is a decrease in ventilation without a decrease in oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production by the body. True hypoventilation is usually the result of a disease. The test subject will simulate this condition by holding his or her breath for a period of time. The test subject’s heart rate will be monitored using the Exercise Heart Rate Monitor.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Monitor the heart rate of the test subject using the Exercise Heart Rate Monitor.
- Evaluate the effects of hyperventilation and hypoventilation on heart rate.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.