Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am setting up an experiment to determine how temperature affects heart rate and I do not know how to set up my experiment to test my theory.

Hi,

Science Buddies has some great ptoject idea write ups on heart rate and temperature:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p020.shtml

This experiment is easily modified to test temperature dependence of heart rate:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... p009.shtml

You are not limited to daphnia, you might slso consider brine shrimp or sea horses. The requirement is that the animal be small and have a transparent body so you can observe the heart rate under a microscope.

For more general information on how to set up an ex[eriment, please consult the Science Buddies Project Guide, which can guide you throughout your project:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml

I hope this gives you some useful ideas.

Best regards,

Barrett L. Tomlinson

In addition to what Barrett said, you should consider researching the phrase 'thermoneutral zone'. It's mostly important for organisms like humans, but will also apply to things like Daphnia.

Good luck!

My teacher will not let us use any living creature for the science project, therefore I can not use this setup. I had previously reviewed this experiment prior to my post.
Could I take a person's temperature outside where it is cold after so many minutes and check their heart rate, come inside to 70 degree temperautre and compare their core temp with pulse, and then take very warm shower, take body temp and check pulse? Compare how this affects pulse rate. Much like in different work situations in real life, outside cold exposures, ouside hot days working,etc.

Lynne,

That's certainly a doable experiment, but it seems to violate your teacher's assignment, since human beings are living creatures. If you do this, you need to think about the best way to measure pulse, 'core temperature' (which will be different than most thermometers will give you), and having a large sample size. If your teacher allows you to do this experiment, you might consider some additional variables to test: for example, do young peoples' heart rates react differently to temperature than older peoples', or males from females, etc.

Hi Lynne,

Assuming that your teacher will let you work with humans on a volunteer basis, this is certainly a doable experiment. You have already gotten some good advice from the other experts. As Melissa pointed out, it would be good to consider your variables, and the different parameters you'll need to measure. You will need accurate ways to measure the following:
1. The temperature of the environment
2. The temperature of your human subjects ("core" temperature)
3. Heart rate - using a heart rate monitor or by putting your finger on their pulse
4. Exposure time to the experimental (outside) temperature

The term "thermoneutral zone" is a very important one that applies to all endotherms - "warm-blooded" animals. So humans have a thermoneutral zone. As Melissa mentioned, it would be a good idea to research that term and find out what temperatures are inside and outside the thermoneutral zone for humans.

Don't forget that insulation (in this case, clothing) will affect your results! Make sure your subjects are wearing similar amounts of clothing (long-sleeved vs. short sleeved, no jackets, etc.).

Let us know if you need more help!

Cheers,
Heather

Thanks for all the advice. I can use people and this gives me a great start.