Experiments
Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support the IB* topic.
Heart Rate
Experiment #15 from Investigating Biology through Inquiry
In this Preliminary Activity, you will use a Heart Rate Monitor to determine a subject’s heart rate. After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about the heart, the cardiovascular system, and heart rate before you choose to investigate a researchable question dealing with heart rate. Depending on sensor availability and your interest, you might decide to use another sensor, such as a Blood Pressure Sensor, in addition to a Heart Rate Monitor. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:
- heart
- heart rate
- cardiovascular system
- physical fitness
- maximum cardiac rate
- homeostasis
- sympathetic nervous system
- parasympathetic nervous system
- heart-rate recovery time
- fitness index
- baroreceptor reflex
- diving reflex
Monitoring EKG
Experiment #28 from Biology with Vernier
In this experiment, you will
- Use the EKG Sensor to graph your heart’s electrical activity.
- Determine the time interval between EKG events.
- Calculate heart rate based on your EKG recording.
Blood Pressure and Autonomic Reflexes
Experiment #1 from Human Physiology Experiments: Volume 2
- Obtain graphical representation of blood pressure.
- Compare blood pressure before and after exposure to cold stimulus.
- Observe an example of sympathetic nervous system activation (“fight or flight” response).
- Educational Standard
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Subject
- Biology
- Section
- Core
- Topic
- 6. Human physiology
* The IB Diploma Program is an official program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) which authorizes schools to offer it. The material available here has been developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it.