The "Diving Mammal Lab" is an easy way to demonstrate in the classroom the effect of a
decreased intake of oxygen on the blood flow, and therefore, the heart rate of humans. This
lab can be used as an introduction to the autonomic nervous system. Students can see how the
constriction of blood vessels is an involuntary response to stimuli. This can be applied
to examples such as the "diving mammal reflex," which is the deceleration of the heart
rate due to a limited intake of oxygen.
Our class is studying circadian rhythms through the use of the Mini-Logger
2000. We examined the differences in variables including activity, skin
temperature, and heart rate of children, teenagers, and adults. This
particular lab requires expensive equipment and has been modified so that
it can be used in classrooms that do not have access to such equipment. For an alternative lab, see the "Temperature Lab."
More information:
The Minimitter Corporation
Results of the
lab.
This lab is designed for students to examine and
compare the internal and
external anatomies of marine organisms. It is done in a way that will make
students address the issue of using animals for laboratory purposes. The
procedure entails studying organisms such as fish, squid, shrimp, clams,
crayfish, and crabs and then cooking them. It allows children to discuss
views on using animals for scientific research in contrast to the way they
were used during this lab where nothing was wasted and the organisms were
eaten.
The Temperature Lab is a modification of the Minimitter Lab; it allows
circadian rhythms to be studied without expensive equipment and can be easily
conducted in the classroom. Its purpose is to determine a pattern of change in
one'’s temperature over a three day period. These patterns may be associated
with physical activity, eating, resting, or various other activities. A graph
of the results for all three days will exhibit patterns and illustrate
circadian rhythms in humans.
For the results of our circadian rhythm experiments, go
to:
http://www.sidwell.edu/us/science/21bio/meetings/minimitter.html