The purpose of our lab was to investigate the homeostasis and its effects on the human body. Homeostasis is an organisms way of maintain a stable environment in their body. Our group decided to investigate the way our heart maintains homeostasis through heart rate. We tested heart rate change by recording heart rate after running two laps, walking two laps, and holding breath for one minute. We used the scientific method to conclude that a humans heart rate increases when they are active. If we go deeper into why this happens, the heart is constantly supplying blood to the rest of the body, and the body, especially the lungs, needs oxygenated blood quicker while under stress. This makes the heart speed up, thus the heart rate increases.
Scientific Method
1. Make observations/ Ask questions 2. Research 3. Form hypothesis 4. Plan experiments 5. Conduct experiments 6. Analyze data 7. Form conclusion 8. Share results
Hypothesis
If you physically exert yourself, your heart rate will increase.
Procedure
Take heart rate before all three tests - perform tests three times
1.Run two laps 2.Record heart rate every 2 minutes after test until the original heart rate has been reached
---rest to recover heart rate to normal state---
3.Walk two laps 4.Record heart rate every 2 minutes after test until the original heart rate has been reached
---rest to recover heart rate to normal state---
5.Hold breath under water for one minute 6.Record heart rate every 2 minutes after test until the original heart rate has been reached
---rest to recover heart rate to normal state---
Data
Concepts
Homeostasis: the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Hormones involved: The sympathetic components increase heart rate by releasing the neural hormone catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Organs involved: The heart, arteries, veins, capillaries.
Independent variable: A variable (often denoted by x ) whose variation does not depend on that of another.
Dependent variable: A variable (often denoted by y ) whose value depends on that of another.
Controlled variable: A control variable in scientific experimentation is an experimental element which is constant and unchanged throughout the course of the investigation.
Scientific method: A method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
Feedback loop: A feedback loop is a biological occurrence wherein the output of a system amplifies the system (positive feedback) or inhibits the system (negative feedback). Feedback loops are important because they allow living organisms to maintain homeostasis.
Evidence of work
Reflection
We learned a lot about the scientific in this lab. We learned how to create stable hypotheses' and how to make efficient and well described steps to procedures. I learned that the body is a lot more complicated than I thought and that homeostasis is basically what keeps us alive. Throughout our tests I noticed that the scientific method is a very good way to take on challenges and I will use it regularly from now on. All in all, our group was great and the project was fun.