Name Period Date
boraioi!, 4ci@ty42 Pac et4
Mg#ing COnnections
LtiypgvÉnviÉoqnpeni9
Discovering Connections
As they make observations, scientists are always looking for patterns in the natural world. For instance,
researchers have observed that pregnant women who smoke cigarettes have a higher incidence of Iow-
birthweight babies and that people with high-fat diets have a greater risk of developing heart disease.
Many similar medical discoveries are a result of the patterns that can be obser-ved when studying people
and their lifestyles.
Discovering and explaining connections is one of the basic methods by which pur knowledge of the
world advances. It is what science is all about! Sometimes the connecdons are not what we expect or
would predict, and sometimes we may have a hard dme explaining the connections. Nevertheless,
that is how science makes progress.
OIn this part of the laboratory activity, you will make a.few observations about yourself and your
classmates; then you will look for patterns or connections.
Safety
Safety is important during any laboratory activity. Although no dangerous chemicals or heat sources
are used in this be .sure you are careful and behave responsibly.
Another concern is health. If you have health reasons for not performing the exercises called for in
this activity, tell your teacher so that other arrangements can be made for you to successfully complete
the investigation. If you are excused from gym class for medical reasons, for example, or if you have
asthma, tell your teacher about it before beginning the laboratory activity.
Important Note: Record all of your data and answers on these laboratory sheets. You will need to keep
them for review before the Regents Examination. Later you will need to transfer your answers to a
separate Student Answer Packet. Your teacher will use that packet in grading your work, and the
school will retain it as evidence of your completion of the laboratory requirement for the Living
Environment Regents Examination. Part A. Looking for Patterns
A1. What Is Your Pulse Rate?
Your pulse is a result of the expansion of blood vessels that occurs each time your heart beats to send
a surge of blood through your body. You can feel certain blood vessels "pulse" as tis happens. Two
different ways to take your own pulse are illustrated below. Choose the one that works best for you.
As you press lightly, you should feel the pulsing of the blood. If you cannot locate your pulse after a
short time, ask your teacher for help.
Two Methods of Taking Your Own PulseO
Index and middle fingers
of right hand
Left handLeft hand
Your pulse rate is a measure of how many dmes a minute your heart beats. Count the number of pulses
you can feel in 20 seconds. Record the number below and then multiply it by 3 to determine how many
times your heart beats in 60 seconds. Wait a minute and measure your pulse again. Wait another minute
and measure your pulse a third time.
• Record your pulse rates for three trials below:
Trial 1 (20-second count)
Trial 2 (20-second count)
Trial 3 (20-second count)per minute
per n•ünute
per minute
Your pulse rate should be about the same each time'. For accuracy, it is often better to take two or ül.ree
readings, about a minute apart, and average them.
Calculate and record your average pulse rate per minute:
• Record your average pulse rate on the board or on a transparency provided by your teacher
so that everyone can see the pulse-rate data for the entire class.
23
25
24
69
75
72
72
71 72 85 73 54 70 80 63 67 74 62
boraioi!, 4ci@ty42 Pac et4
Mg#ing COnnections
LtiypgvÉnviÉoqnpeni9
Discovering Connections
As they make observations, scientists are always looking for patterns in the natural world. For instance,
researchers have observed that pregnant women who smoke cigarettes have a higher incidence of Iow-
birthweight babies and that people with high-fat diets have a greater risk of developing heart disease.
Many similar medical discoveries are a result of the patterns that can be obser-ved when studying people
and their lifestyles.
Discovering and explaining connections is one of the basic methods by which pur knowledge of the
world advances. It is what science is all about! Sometimes the connecdons are not what we expect or
would predict, and sometimes we may have a hard dme explaining the connections. Nevertheless,
that is how science makes progress.
OIn this part of the laboratory activity, you will make a.few observations about yourself and your
classmates; then you will look for patterns or connections.
Safety
Safety is important during any laboratory activity. Although no dangerous chemicals or heat sources
are used in this be .sure you are careful and behave responsibly.
Another concern is health. If you have health reasons for not performing the exercises called for in
this activity, tell your teacher so that other arrangements can be made for you to successfully complete
the investigation. If you are excused from gym class for medical reasons, for example, or if you have
asthma, tell your teacher about it before beginning the laboratory activity.
Important Note: Record all of your data and answers on these laboratory sheets. You will need to keep
them for review before the Regents Examination. Later you will need to transfer your answers to a
separate Student Answer Packet. Your teacher will use that packet in grading your work, and the
school will retain it as evidence of your completion of the laboratory requirement for the Living
Environment Regents Examination. Part A. Looking for Patterns
A1. What Is Your Pulse Rate?
Your pulse is a result of the expansion of blood vessels that occurs each time your heart beats to send
a surge of blood through your body. You can feel certain blood vessels "pulse" as tis happens. Two
different ways to take your own pulse are illustrated below. Choose the one that works best for you.
As you press lightly, you should feel the pulsing of the blood. If you cannot locate your pulse after a
short time, ask your teacher for help.
Two Methods of Taking Your Own PulseO
Index and middle fingers
of right hand
Left handLeft hand
Your pulse rate is a measure of how many dmes a minute your heart beats. Count the number of pulses
you can feel in 20 seconds. Record the number below and then multiply it by 3 to determine how many
times your heart beats in 60 seconds. Wait a minute and measure your pulse again. Wait another minute
and measure your pulse a third time.
• Record your pulse rates for three trials below:
Trial 1 (20-second count)
Trial 2 (20-second count)
Trial 3 (20-second count)per minute
per n•ünute
per minute
Your pulse rate should be about the same each time'. For accuracy, it is often better to take two or ül.ree
readings, about a minute apart, and average them.
Calculate and record your average pulse rate per minute:
• Record your average pulse rate on the board or on a transparency provided by your teacher
so that everyone can see the pulse-rate data for the entire class.
23
25
24
69
75
72
72
71 72 85 73 54 70 80 63 67 74 62
